5 Essential Pre-Winter Home Maintenance Fixes to Tackle in September

5 Pre-Winter Fixes You’ll Be Glad You Tackled in September

Home maintenance tends to follow a seasonal rhythm. In spring, it’s all about refreshing and repairing. Summer focuses on upkeep and upgrades. But as fall arrives, the focus shifts to prevention.

Waiting until temperatures drop to prepare your home for winter often leads to higher costs, added stress, and limited contractor availability. By tackling a few simple projects in September, you’ll avoid the rush, take advantage of mild weather, and head into colder months with fewer surprises. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home all winter or are considering selling in the near future, these fixes will help your property run smoothly.

1. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

Drafty doors and windows let out more than warm air—they also force your heating system to work harder, increasing energy bills. According to Natural Resources Canada, about 25% of a home’s heat loss happens through poorly sealed windows and doors.

How to check for leaks:

• On a windy day, move your hand or an incense stick along the frame edges. If you feel air movement or see smoke shift, you’ve found a gap.

Common areas to inspect:

• Caulking around exterior window frames

• Weatherstripping along doors

• Gaps beneath exterior doors and patio sliders

Replacing worn weatherstripping and resealing with caulk is an easy afternoon project that pays off all winter long.

2. Replace or Clean HVAC Filters

Dirty HVAC filters reduce airflow, collect dust, and put strain on your heating system. If yours hasn’t been changed since summer, swap it now before cooler weather arrives.

Quick tips:

• Replace every 90 days—or monthly if you have pets or allergies.

• Clear furniture from in front of vents and baseboard units.

• Test your heat early to ensure it’s working correctly.

• Consider scheduling a professional tune-up before service providers are fully booked in October.

Routine HVAC maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and keeps energy bills in check.

3. Inspect the Home’s Exterior

September is the perfect month to handle exterior projects before weather shifts.

Start with gutters and downspouts:

• Remove twigs, seed pods, and roof granules.

• Repair sagging sections and tighten loose fasteners.

• Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

Other exterior prep:

• Trim overgrown branches and rake early leaf piles to prevent pests.

• Shut off and drain outdoor water systems, disconnect hoses, and consider insulated covers for spigots.

• Schedule professional pool closing if applicable.

Proactive exterior care now prevents bigger headaches later.

4. Prep Entryways for Wet Weather

As rain, mud, and cold weather set in, entryways often become messy. A few small upgrades can make these spaces more functional and welcoming.

Simple improvements:

• Swap thin mats for durable, water-absorbing rugs.

• Place a boot tray near the door.

• Add wall hooks or a bench with storage.

• Replace burnt-out exterior lightbulbs before days get shorter.

A clean, organized entryway not only helps daily life—it also makes a great first impression if you’re selling.

5. Organize the Garage or Storage Areas

Fall is when garage clutter tends to build, making it harder to find winter essentials. September is the time to reorganize while the weather is still mild.

What to do:

• Group snow shovels, de-icer, and windshield scrapers together.

• Check expiration dates on products like washer fluid and ice melt.

• Store garden hoses after draining them.

• Rotate summer gear into storage and clear out what you don’t need.

An organized garage makes seasonal transitions smoother and shows potential buyers that the home is well-maintained.

By tackling these five pre-winter fixes in September, you’ll save money, reduce stress, and set your home up for a smooth transition into winter. A little prevention now means fewer problems later—whether you’re staying put or planning to sell.