September Home Maintenance Checklist

As the air starts to cool and the days grow shorter, September is the perfect time to prepare your home for the fall and winter seasons ahead. A little preventative maintenance now can save you from costly repairs later—and help you enjoy a cozy, worry-free autumn.

Here’s your September home maintenance checklist:

Clean gutters & downspouts

Leaves, twigs, and debris can easily clog gutters this time of year. Cleaning them out now will help prevent water damage and ice dams later on.

Inspect your roof

Check for missing or damaged shingles and make sure flashing is secure. Catching small problems early can help you avoid expensive leaks when the weather turns.

Seal windows & doors

Drafts sneak in easily through worn weatherstripping or cracked caulking. Sealing gaps around windows and doors keeps your home warm and your energy bills down.

Service your furnace

Book a professional tune-up to make sure your furnace is ready for the cold months ahead. A clean, efficient system also saves you money on heating costs.

Replace HVAC filters

Fresh filters improve air quality and help your heating system run more efficiently.

Prepare your fireplace

If you’re planning on cozy fires this season, have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected to ensure they’re safe to use.

Store garden hoses

Drain, disconnect, and store your hoses to prevent freezing and cracking later in the fall.

Test smoke & CO detectors

Safety first! Replace batteries and test alarms to make sure they’re in working order.

Tidy the yard

Trim trees and shrubs, rake up fallen leaves, and clean up garden beds to set the stage for fall planting or simply a neat outdoor space.

Check outdoor lighting

As the days get shorter, good lighting around walkways and entryways becomes even more important for safety.

Taking time for these September home maintenance tasks will give you peace of mind all season long. Plus, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth transition into the colder months—without any last-minute surprises.