September is a great time to focus on home care maintenance as you prepare for the cooler months ahead. Here are some tips to get your home ready:

​1.​Inspect and Clean Gutters: Clear out leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs. This will help avoid water damage as fall rains begin.

​2.​Check Your Roof: Look for damaged or missing shingles, leaks, or any areas that need repair. Addressing roof issues now can prevent costly problems later when snow and ice arrive.

​3.​Seal Windows and Doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors, and apply weatherstripping or caulk where needed. This helps improve energy efficiency and keeps your home warm during the cooler months.

​4.​Service the Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection and tune-up for your furnace or heating system. Replace filters and make sure the system is ready to handle the upcoming colder weather.

​5.​Clean and Inspect the Chimney: If you have a fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to remove soot and creosote buildup. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and ensures your fireplace is safe to use.

​6.​Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace batteries if necessary and test the alarms to confirm they’re functioning.

​7.​Drain and Store Garden Hoses: Drain water from garden hoses and store them indoors to prevent freezing. Shut off and drain outdoor faucets to protect them from cold weather damage.

​8.​Check Insulation: Inspect the insulation in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Add more insulation if needed to keep your home warm and reduce heating costs.

​9.​Trim Trees and Bushes: Trim back any branches that are close to your house, especially those that could fall during a storm. This helps prevent damage to your roof or windows.

​10.​Winterize Lawn Equipment: As lawn care season winds down, clean and store tools like lawnmowers and trimmers. Drain fuel and sharpen blades so they’re ready for spring.

​11.​Prepare the Lawn and Garden: Aerate your lawn and apply a fall fertilizer to strengthen grass roots. Plant bulbs for spring, and clear out any dead plants or leaves from garden beds.

​12.​Inspect and Clean Dryer Vents: Lint buildup in dryer vents can be a fire hazard. Clean out the vent and check that the exhaust is functioning properly.

By taking care of these tasks in September, you’ll be better prepared for the fall and winter months, keeping your home safe, warm, and efficient. Prepare your home for winter with Advanced Air Duct Cleaning. Get started today.