Fall is in the air or at least on the calendar to begin in September. The start of fall is the perfect time to take care of fall maintenance and get your home ready for winter. While Southeast Florida doesn’t experience the winter weather seen in other parts of the country, the transition to autumn does offer the opportunity to clean up from summer storms.

Also, as COVID-19 continues to impact our world, many of us are spending more time at home. Make your home more comfortable and well maintained by following our handy September home maintenance list.

Clean Gutters and Inspect the Roof

Over the summer months, dirt and debris clutter the gutter. Don’t wait until you experience a problem with your roof, instead clean gutters at least annually to keep them in top shape. Also, while you are on a ladder cleaning the gutters, inspect the roof for visual damage. If you see damaged shingles or pooling water, call in a roofing expert for repairs.

Check Smoke Detectors and Change Batteries

Keep your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors in check to ensure your family stays safe throughout the year. Make sure the detectors are in good working order and connected correctly to the wall or ceiling. Also, change the batteries every fall and spring so you don’t have to worry about waking up in the night to annoying beeping. 

Change the HVAC Air Filter

It’s best to change your HVAC air filter at least every three months. If you smoke, have pets or have asthma or allergies, change the air filter more frequently. By changing your air filter at the start of each season you can stay on a regular schedule. A clean air filter helps your unit run more efficiently and keeps the air in your home cleaner.

Take Care of Yard Projects

Clean up the yard by removing debris, pulling weeds, fertilizing, trimming hedges and removing dead plants. Also, make any necessary repairs, like broken gates, fences, furniture, shutters and other damaged items. Check your sprinkler system and schedule pool maintenance.

Deep Clean Your Home

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but fall is another time to deep clean your home. Clean out air vents, dust, wash curtains and blinds and launder rugs and linens. These tasks help improve air quality by removing dust and dander. Also, clean appliances and get rid of clutter. 

Schedule Annual Radon Test

Radon is a dangerous gas that is only detectable with a radon test. Radon gas is odorless and colorless but causes lung cancer when breathed. If you do not have a radon mitigation system, it’s smart to schedule annual radon testing to ensure the radon exposure in your home hasn’t increased. This is vital to your family’s health. 

Keep Your Home Inspection Ready this Fall

Staying on top of home maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your home inspection ready. At Kenco Home Inspections, we find all types of issues with homes we inspect. In our experience, regular home maintenance helps decrease the risks of issues over the long term.

We offer home inspections for clients in Southeast Florida, including specialized inspections, like radon tests. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection!