1. Inspect and Clean the Gutters

As trees begin shedding their leaves, it’s essential to clean out your gutters to prevent clogs. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, particularly around your roof, foundation, and siding, which could cost you thousands in repairs. By cleaning them out now, you’ll ensure that rainwater flows smoothly away from your home, protecting it from potential leaks and structural damage.

Tip: Use a gutter guard to minimize buildup and reduce the frequency of cleanings throughout the fall. Gutter guards are a small investment that can prevent significant damage.

2. Check for Air Leaks and Insulate

The summer heat may have made it easy to overlook drafts, but before the chill of autumn sets in, check your doors, windows, and attic for air leaks. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, helping you lower heating bills and stay comfortable during the colder months.

Bonus Savings: Insulating your attic is one of the best ways to prevent heat loss. It can lower energy costs by 10-50%, making it a smart long-term investment that will pay off in lower heating bills.

3. Furnace and HVAC Maintenance

September is the perfect time to have your furnace and HVAC system inspected and serviced. Heating systems work hard during the winter months, so having them checked now can prevent breakdowns when you need them the most. Replace your air filters, check vents, and have a professional clean and service your system to ensure it’s running efficiently.

Pro Tip: Sign up for a maintenance plan with your HVAC company to get regular checkups and discounts on repairs. Routine maintenance can extend the life of your system and prevent costly emergency repairs.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As you’ll be using your heating system more frequently, it’s critical to test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are crucial, especially if you have a fireplace or use gas appliances. Make sure they’re working properly to keep your family safe.

5. Winterize Your Lawn and Garden

Early fall is the best time to start preparing your lawn and garden for winter. Fertilize your lawn with a slow-release fertilizer to strengthen the roots for the upcoming cold season. This will help it bounce back healthier in the spring.

For your garden, clear out any dead plants, compost them, and plant cover crops or mulch to protect the soil over winter. This practice not only preserves soil health but also saves money by reducing the need for extensive lawn care come spring.

6. Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, so a thorough inspection in September can help you spot potential problems before winter arrives. Look for loose or missing shingles, and check for any signs of wear or leaks around the flashing and vents. Repairing small issues now can prevent expensive roof repairs or even a full replacement later on.

Cost-Saving Tip: If you find damage, repair it before the wet season. Roofers tend to be less busy in the fall, and you may find better deals on repairs.

7. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

As summer comes to a close, it’s time to clean and store your outdoor furniture to protect it from winter weather. Mold, rust, and wear from the elements can shorten the lifespan of your furniture. Washing cushions, wiping down metal surfaces, and storing them in a garage or shed can save you from having to replace them next summer.

8. Seal Driveway Cracks

Small cracks in your driveway can turn into major issues when water seeps in and freezes during the winter months. This can lead to larger cracks, potholes, and even structural damage to your driveway. Sealing these cracks in September helps protect your driveway from further wear and can extend its life by several years.

9. Drain and Store Garden Hoses

As the temperatures drop, it’s important to drain and store your garden hoses to prevent them from freezing and cracking. Also, turn off and drain outdoor faucets to avoid any plumbing issues caused by frozen pipes, which could lead to costly water damage.

10. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Before the rush hits, stock up on winter essentials like ice melt, shovels, and snow blowers. Make sure everything is in good working condition, so you’re prepared for the first snow. Buying these supplies in September may also save you money, as prices tend to rise when demand peaks later in the season.