End of Summer Home Maintenance: Essential Tips to Prepare for Fall

Autumn leaves close-up

If you’ve recently become a homeowner, congratulations! Owning a home brings a lot of excitement, but it also comes with new responsibilities—especially when it comes to maintenance. As the summer winds down, it’s important to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. End-of-summer home maintenance might feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can tackle these tasks confidently and keep your home in great shape.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to the most important end-of-summer maintenance tasks for new homeowners.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Downspout being secured

Your gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in keeping water away from your home’s foundation. Summer storms and wind can cause leaves, dirt, and debris to collect in them, leading to clogs. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof, siding, and even the foundation of your home.

How to Do It:
You’ll need a sturdy ladder, gloves, and a bucket. Simply scoop out the debris, rinse the gutters with a hose, and check that water is flowing freely through the downspouts. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, hiring a professional can be a good option.

New Homeowner Tip: Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the need for frequent cleaning in the future.

2. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

Inspect your windows for air leaks

As fall approaches, keeping the warmth inside your home is key. Drafty windows and doors can let warm air escape, making your heating system work harder—and driving up your energy bills. Checking for drafts and sealing any gaps is a simple, but often overlooked, task.

How to Do It:
On a windy day, hold a lit candle near the edges of your windows and doors. If the flame flickers, there’s likely a draft. Use caulk to seal small gaps around windows or apply weatherstripping around doors to block air leaks.

New Homeowner Tip: If your windows are old or in poor condition, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models. It’s an investment that will pay off in lower energy bills.

3. Service Your HVAC System

Maintain your lawn before leaves start falling

Your HVAC system has likely been working hard all summer to keep your home cool. Now is the perfect time to give it a little TLC before switching it over to heating mode for the fall and winter months.

How to Do It:
Change the air filters (this should be done every 1–3 months), check the vents for any blockages, and schedule a professional inspection. Regular HVAC maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your system is running efficiently.

New Homeowner Tip: Get on a regular maintenance schedule with an HVAC company. They can check your system twice a year—once for cooling, and once for heating.

4. Inspect Your Roof and Siding

Inspect your roof

Your roof and siding are your home’s first line of defense against the elements. After a long, hot summer, it’s essential to check for any signs of wear and tear. Summer heat, rain, and storms can cause damage that should be addressed before the colder, wetter months set in.

How to Do It:
Grab a pair of binoculars and inspect your roof from the ground. Look for cracked, missing, or loose shingles. For the siding, check for cracks, warping, or any signs of water damage. If you notice anything concerning, call a professional for a more thorough inspection.

New Homeowner Tip: If you’re unsure about inspecting the roof yourself, consider hiring a roofing company to conduct a proper check. It’s worth the investment to avoid future leaks or damage.

5. Take Care of Your Lawn and Garden

Lawn Care

End-of-summer is the perfect time to prepare your lawn and garden for the coming fall and winter. Proper lawn care now will help ensure a healthy, green lawn when spring arrives, and preparing your garden will save you time and effort later.

How to Do It:
Mow your lawn one last time and aerate it to promote root growth and air circulation. You can also apply a late-summer fertilizer to give the grass the nutrients it needs to stay strong through the winter. Trim any overgrown bushes or trees to prevent them from breaking under heavy autumn winds or winter snow.

New Homeowner Tip: Rake up fallen leaves regularly. If left too long, they can smother your lawn and create a breeding ground for mold and pests.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fire safety devices need to be tested

One of the easiest but most important tasks as a new homeowner is ensuring that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. As your home will be sealed up more often in the colder months, it’s essential that these devices are in working order to keep your family safe.

How to Do It:
Press the test button on each detector to make sure it’s working. If it doesn’t beep, replace the batteries. If the detector is over 10 years old, consider replacing it entirely.

New Homeowner Tip: Make it a habit to check these devices twice a year—once in the fall and once in the spring.

How Jesse Maciver Can Help You Find Your First Home

Jesse MacIver REALTOR ®

If you’re still in the process of finding your dream home or are ready to make the leap into homeownership, Jesse Maciver is here to guide you every step of the way. As an experienced real estate professional, Jesse understands the challenges and excitement of buying your first home. Whether you’re unsure where to start or need advice on choosing the right property, Jesse can offer expert advice tailored to your needs.

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