I'm Rob De Meio at HomeFirst. September is just around the corner, time for a short yet effective checklist of home maintenance and small home repairs to prepare your home for the upcoming season. Start with a clean-out of the roof, plumbing, and gutters to prevent blockages from spring rain. Second, service your heating and cooling. A ducted heating or cooling service with filter replacement ensures enhanced air quality and system performance. Third, check over your hot water unit, cleaning out any build-up and checking the settings for smooth running. Fourth, check for safety switches, smoke detectors, electrical fault detection, and surge protection, to make sure all the alarm systems are in working condition and good condition. Last but not least, pipe relining or leak detection, if your plumbing does appear shady. Intervention at the start saves on future full replacement. Touching on these jobs in September sets your home up to come into spring with ease, saving you from breakdown repairs and keeping everything operating safely and efficiently. Easy home repair measures that reap benefits.
The treatment of timber windows should be done on September time. You wait till after the summer sun has dried the paint and the moisture of September has the proper humidity to repaint before the winter moisture penetrates. We apply a flexible microporous paint and allow around 120 pounds on average in supplies on a cottage. One that can be easily missed is cleaning the extractor fans in the kitchen and the bathroom. By September they tend to be choked with grease and dust and this decreases airflow. Guests will grumble about the lack of a shift in smells and it causes condensation to rise. We inspect all hot water cylinders and service pressure relief valves. We empty and fill once we notice that there is some build-up of sediments. That little task prevents accumulation of limescale and reduces the likelihood of heating ineffectiveness as the weather turns colder. Finally, we also conduct a complete septic inspection of tank properties. September is dry enough to access but close enough to the peak summer season to notice anything having been pushed beyond its limits.
What are 5-7 things you think people should clean or fix in September, and why are they important? Roof and gutter inspection. September is when you can still inspect shingles, flashing and gutters before leaves and snow show up. In Iowa a clogged downspout in October can become an ice dam by December. Some easy scrutiny now saves thousands later. HVAC and furnace servicing. The nights are cool early in Des Moines. Swapping filters and testing ignition now saves breakdowns at the first cold snap, when service calls go through the roof. Preventive service is much cheaper than a mid season repair. Window and door sealing. Caulking and weatherstripping reduce drafts and heating bills. In old Des Moines houses, I've watched gas bills plummet by 15% in a single weekend of sealing. Small effort, big return. Touch up exterior paint and siding. It's cool enough in September to seal cracks and paint trim. When left alone, moisture sneaks in and spreads destruction all winter. One comparatively quick brush now can save months of waiting and higher costs later. Deep clean carpets and floors. There's no denying that summer dust, pollen and grit accumulate quickly. A fall deep-clean makes your home cleaner for lingering holiday season decorations and helps keep your place in better shape for the approaching winter months. Fireplace and chimney check. The main fire danger on those first cold weeks is creosote buildup. Many older homes in Des Moines still have wood burning fireplaces-one cleaning in September could prevent both dangerous and expensive claims. Yard and tree prep. Prune limbs around roofs or lines and reseed lawns when soil is warm. Iowa storms come out of nowhere, and the fall of one limb can result in thousands in damage. A little judicious trimming now is cheap insurance.
Every homeowner should have September (I use Labor Day, personally) marked on their calendar for a few key maintenance items. This is the perfect time of year - after the harshness of Summer heat or storms, but before the cold snap comes in - to fix what needs fixing in order to prepare for the upcoming Winter. 1. Get your HVAC system serviced. Whether you're using a heat pump, furnace, boiler, or combination, a few targeted maintenance items can increase efficiency and expand longevity of your system. For this time of year, change your filters, clean indoor and outdoor coils, check refrigerant levels, check burner ignition system, and check thermostat to make sure it's operating correctly. 2. Clean gutters and downspouts. Summer storms may have sent leaves, twigs and sticks into your gutters. Clean them out now, so that when leaves falls, it doesn't compound the problem. 3. Clean windows inside and out to maximize natural light as days get shorter - and, as an added bonus, increase your home's heat in the daytime. 4. Deep clean your carpets and rugs. After a Summer of barbecuing and going from indoor to out and back in again more frequently, it's time to get rid of all that dust a potential allergens. Indoor air quality matters much more in the cold months when windows and doors and buttoned up. 5. Seed, aerate and fertilize your lawn. While you won't see the benefit of this until next Spring, September is the absolute best month for lawn treatments. You'll thank yourself next Summer while enjoying a much greener, much lusher lawn.
Outdoor drains always need my attention in the month of September. Some of the trees in front yards begin their shedding of leaves early especially the deciduous trees here in Sydney. When drains clog today, it puts people in a position of backups when heavier October storms come along. I normally tell our team that they should flush them and clear grates before the real mess starts. Secondly is the hot water systems Many families begin to increase usage again after months of low usage as it becomes cooler. We get booked with tens of replacements or repairs as people come to know that they are having no hot water at their schools in the morning. A September inspection can prevent a costly emergency replacement later of $2,000. Gutters are important as well Any biofilm now builds up very easily. We usually wash away 10 to 15 kilos of wet leaf sludge in a single small house when they fail to do early cleaning. Gutters that are overflowing may decay timber or allow water into ceilings This is equally the suitable time to check flexible hoses under sinks and in the bathroom. They explode more frequently when temperatures alter One of them will cost you around $150 to replace, but not addressing them can result in water damage that may cost more than $20,000. On the hygiene end, clean showerheads. Mineral deposits interfere with water pressure, and promote bacteria. I advise you to soak them in vinegar two hours, and clean with a tooth brush. Last, test taps and toilets under pressure in search of slow leaks. The loss of 200 to 300 litres per day is possible because of a minor drip. That is an additional hundreds of dollars in water bill every quarter. Until the next bill comes, people are not aware of it generally speaking There is no better month to get ahead of it all than in September.
I always suggest getting your gutters cleared out now, before the heavy leaf fall clogs them up and causes water damage . It's also a great time to wash the outside of your windows. You'll get rid of all the summer dust and pollen and let in more of that precious sunlight as the days get shorter. Inside this is the perfect time to get your carpets and upholstery deep cleaned. You're getting rid of all the allergens and dirt tracked in over the summer right before you seal up the house for the fall and winter. on the maintenance side, go ahead and clean your grill before you put it away for the season.this prevents pests from making a home in there and saves you a greasy mess in the spring. Also get your furnace checked and change the filter. You want to make sure it's working before that first cold night hits , not on it. If you have a fireplace, get the chimney swept now before the pros get swamped. Thank you! Lina DaSilva, Founder at TorontoShineCleaning.ca/ linkedin.com/in/lina-dasilva/ 350+ Google Reviews - g.page/r/Cf1-Hi3QpScjEB0/
September can be a prime time of year for pests, both insects and mice and other rodents, to come inside as the weather cools down and they're looking for those warm spots to set up shop. Because of this I think there are some key home cleaning and maintenance tasks that are good to take care of this time of year to make your home a bit less hospitable for pests. For one, I would recommend just going around your house and checking out those dark, undisturbed, maybe humid spots like under the sink, in the basement, or in the attic, to check for any signs of existing or past pests. Then, cleaning up these areas like tidying, cleaning up debris, and disinfecting them can really help make them a bit less appealing for pests. It never hurts to set up a fan or a dehumidifier or leave some of these spots open so that you can get some air moving through them as well. Fixing any under-sink leaks or other sources of excess moisture is one of those maintenance tasks to do in September that can really help you avoid pest problems in fall and winter.
According to home maintenance and cleaning professionals, September is the month for preventative plumbing and HVAC projects. First, schedule a furnace check and filter replacement to avoid being without heat when winter weather arrives. Second, flush the water heater to eliminate any accumulated debris and sediment that cause your heater to work less efficiently and not last as long. Third, clean dryer vents to improve air circulation, lower energy bills and minimize the chance of fire. Fourth, check HVAC vents and ductwork, as dust and dirt may have accumulated over the summer months. Fifth, look for plumbing leaks around sinks, toilets, and hose bibs so that minor problems don't turn into major bursts. Sixth, clean gutters to prevent leaves from clogging and keeping water from running away from the house and pooling at the foundation. Finally, check sump pumps in case of anticipated rainfall. September is the month to accomplish these tasks before the service call wait increases in winter when there's more chaos and emergencies.
Driveways and walkways collect oil stains, grime, and natural debris during the summer. By September, they are discolored and even slippery. Pressure washing them now not only restores a fresh appearance but also avoids permanent surface damage. ViperTech specializes in removing tough stains from concrete and stone without breaking or deteriorating the surfaces. Our treatment makes the driveway safer for vehicles and pedestrians. A newly washed sidewalk also produces a warm welcome impression for the entrance to your house. It is best to do it in September because the weather is still good and outdoor water usage becomes more acceptable. Taking care of these surfaces at this time shields them from the rainy months, when mold and moss are very easy to grow if neglected.
September is the proper time to ready your house for cold, rainy days. Start with the downspouts and gutters. Summer storms usually clog them with debris, and left unchecked, that can bring about water damage when autumn rains come. Then, examine the roof closely. Replace loose or damaged shingles today to prevent leaks and future repairs. Patching little problems now saves expensive leaks later. It is also a good idea to investigate the outside caulking around windows and doors. Proper caulking assists with energy efficiency and keeps water out. At home, maintain your heating and air conditioning system. Change filters and keep the furnace in good condition to absorb the extra burden. Lastly, check your crawlspace or basement for any trace of moisture. Early repair guards against mold and damage to your foundation.
1) Vents and utilities areas - At some point soon you'll be switching from cooling to heating your home, so take the time to clean off any vents and your utilities area in advance of that change over. This will hopefully mean less dust gets kicked up when the change over happens, saving you from a potentially runny nose. 2) Oven - A lot of people avoid using their oven and stove tops as much in the summer because of the added heat it generates, but use it more often in the winter. Prepare for that increased use by refreshing your oven in advance. 3) Fridge - As it gets colder, people tend to want to go out less and cook more at home. Taking time to make sure your fridge has all the old food you never got around to cooking or reheating removed will make it easier to manage when you do start cooking more from home and needing that space. 4) Tops of shelves and cabinets - If you haven't been maintaining these areas through the year, you likely have a lot of dust (and potentially even pollen) built up on the tops of higher surfaces. Now is a good time to get those cleaned off while you can still open doors and windows to let your home air out. 5) Electronics - As you start staying home more, you are going to be using things like your TV, game consoles, desktop computers, etc more. These likely have built up dust over the summer, and using them without thoroughly cleaning them off can cause the dust to get into vent and fan areas, potentially damaging them. Overall doing a nice deep cleaning of your home can be helpful, but these are the areas that I would recommend paying special attention to during September.
The month of September is appropriate as home owners ready their home to transition into cool weather and the upcoming holiday season. Gutters need to be cleared first since leaves that fall and pre-autumn rain may soon cause obstruction of drainage and cause water damage. It is also important to service the HVAC system since most people change air conditioning to heating, and a tune-up maintains the energy costs down and eliminates breakdowns. Sealing of exterior cracks on windows and doors and examining them to ensure the prevention of drafts and blocking off pests to enter the building during cold weather. Lawn maintenance is not to be disregarded. Cutting down trees and clearing dead limbs prior to stormier weather eliminates the risk of damaged roofs and fences as well as cars due to falling limbs. September is good to aerate and fertilize lawns so that roots are fortified before winter. The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential to test indoors because there will be a lot of time indoors with the heating and cooking devices running. Lastly, decluttering of garages or storage sheds can create space to store seasonal items such as holiday decorations and lessen clutter that may attract rodents in search of shelter. Taken in September, these steps prepare a property to be comfortable, safe, and less expensive to repair in the months to come.
September is when I climb one ladder and spray a 1:3 bleach mix along the north-side siding to beat the black streaks before they root in for the winter--missed it once and had to repaint the whole Colonial the following spring. While up there, I test outdoor outlets with a cheap night-light; last year one bad GFCI kept the driveway de-icer from running, and three grand later I promised myself never again.
September marks the end of summer. Even if you don't have school to return to, or you don't have kids who go to school, September transitions us into fall, so you'll probably be spending a bit less time outdoors in your yard. So, some of the main things you want to focus on cleaning/fixing in September are the areas and items you use in your yard. For example, power wash your patio, clean your patio furniture before storing it away, disinfect your garden tools, clean your lawn mower blades. If you have a pool, depending on where you live September may be the month to winterize it. Regardless, you'll want to continue cleaning it through the month to maintain it.
Cleaning out your sprinkler system (heads and filters) tends to be something I recommend doing in September. While this month is going to be a bit early when it comes to winterizing your sprinkler system, I have found it to be a good time of year to do some maintenance and cleaning in preparation for it being shut down. It's a good idea to do some sprinkler maintenance a couple of times a year, typically when you're setting it up in the spring and when you're getting close to shutting down time in fall. Clean and inspect your sprinkler heads to make sure they're in good working order (you can just wipe them off with a soft cloth), and locate your sprinkler system's filter housing (most I see tend to be near the pressure adjustment) and open it up to replace the filter.
As someone branded as a "neat freak" by my husband, here are a couple of recommendations I usually give to people for cleaning in September when the weather starts to get cooler. 1. Deep-clean air vents and replace HVAC filters - Dust, pollen, and hairs tend to build up in these areas especially during summer. Having cooler weather in September means you'll have to use heating systems, and to keep the air fresh, air vents and filters should be cleaned and changed. 2. Wash and store summer linens - Cooler weather means it's time to bring out the blankets. Washing them as early as September is ideal because line-drying items outside is still possible. Having clean fabrics stored properly will prevent musty and stale odor. 3. Check and clean gutters - Fall season will start in September and cleaning gutters of summer debris will help avoid overflow of water during autumn rains. This would also prevent piled up debris as leaves will start to fall during this month. 4. Vacuum and rotate mattresses - Cleaning mattresses of summer dust mites is best in September to have a fresh mattress for the new season. Rotating is also helpful to help the mattress wear evenly. One cleaning mattress tip I learned from my mom in Vietnam is to sprinkle baking soda and then let it sit for 30minutes. After that, vacuum it thoroughly. 5. Inspect and clean the refrigerator coils - Most people forget to check this maintenance essential. Having a clean refrigerator coil lessens the electricity consumption. Dirty means the appliance will have to work double. 6. Seal gaps and check weatherstripping - Before the peak of Autumn season when the weather gets so cold, it is part of my checklist to inspect and seal gaps around our house to conserve electricity from heating bills. 7. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - This is very important to maintain and check as Autumn involves a lot of indoor cooking and heating. To ensure safety, make sure that the fire alarms are functioning well and have new batteries.
It is early September, and I think it is time to give your home a little seasonal spruce-up as a professional cleaner. As summer closes down and we bring in more monentiary dust and pollen, and even sand, it is a great idea to get those carpets and rugs deep cleaned. This is used to eliminate allergens before the colder seasons when windows are left closed. We equally encourage washing of curtains and blinds in order to eliminate the accumulation of dust and maintain quality air indoors. Cleaning your gutters is something we recommend doing prior to the falling of autumn leaves, too. You should fix this early so that the costs are not incurred due to a blocked gutter causing water damage. We like to look at our outdoor furniture, grills, and patios in September and clean and inspect them so it is put away the following year in good shape. It is also the time to change air filters in HVAC and make your heating system more efficient. Finally, we turn our attention to deep cleaning the kitchen, especially the fridge, oven, and pantry, because the cooking season around the holidays is soon here. Removing bacterial foods and cleaning current appliances means saving time in the future. We aim to ensure your home is fresh, neat, and in warm-up mode to the cold months ahead.
Deep Clean Appliances. Focus on kitchen appliances, like the refrigerator or oven. Especially as you begin to prepare for the holiday season, keeping appliances clean is key for smooth cooking. Switch out seasonal wardrobes and wash linens (hefty blankets). This allows you to feel settled as temperatures drop, and keeps your living areas fresh and organized. Cut back plants that have become too large. Start preparing your garden for fall. Cleaning the garden can lead to a better appearance of your home and promote healthy flora the following spring, saving you pest issues before they start. Maintenance in the laundry room. Cleaning the lint trap and checking the dryer vent will ensure dryer efficiency and safety, and also save you from future fires. Clean and repair windows and screens. This provides a better aesthetic quality to your home, increases general health through better natural light and airflow, and makes you feel better about your space as summer passes into fall.
I tend to recommend some exterior home maintenance tasks for September, especially mid to late September when things might be cooling down in many areas of the country. Touching up paint or trim around your home, for instance, can be a great task to get done this time of year, when temperatures are going to be more suitable for good paint adhesion and a solid finish. Cleaning windows can be good to get done in September too, since your cleaning solution is going to do a better job when it's not evaporating too fast in hot summer temperatures.
Seasonal maintenance is a factor that I always stress as the Co-Founder of Rangreli because it is central to the comfort and functionality of the home. In September, I would concentrate on some of the key areas to look out for as the months approach. Start by cleaning the air conditioning vents and filters as thoroughly as possible; this will give cleaner air to breathe in the small setback to cooler air and will help the system work more efficiently. Check gutters and downspouts and remove debris to avoid water damage due to unforeseen autumnal rainfall. Also, I would encourage answering questions about weather stripping, windows, and doors. This action can enhance energy use and minimize heating expenses in colder weather. This, as well, is a good month in which to have major appliances serviced, like the washing machine, the refrigerator, and the oven, to ensure that they are running without glitches, before people have to worry about the holiday season. Do not forget about organizing storage spaces, including closets and the garage--the process of decluttering will allow you to allocate space to store seasonal items in time, eliminating the need to face stress later. Lastly, minor repairs, such as securing loose handle doors, lubricating their hinges, and ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work properly, can help eliminate the inconveniences and potentially harmful situations at home. These tasks are often the most common to forget, but the ones that get you set up with a smooth, safe, and effective transition into fall and winter.