September may say fall on the calendar, but here in North Texas, summer often hangs around a little longer. Even so, this transitional month is a great time to take care of some of the wear and tear caused by months of heat, storms, and heavy use while getting a head start on cooler weather.
A little preventative maintenance now can improve your home's efficiency, help catch small problems before they become expensive ones, and make the transition into fall a little easier.
1. Inspect windows and doors for air leaks
Your air conditioner has probably been working overtime all summer, and small gaps around windows and exterior doors can make it work even harder.
Take a walk around your home and inspect weatherstripping and caulking for cracks, gaps, or areas that have begun to deteriorate. Pay particular attention to exterior doors and older windows. Replacing worn weatherstripping or resealing small gaps can help keep conditioned air inside now and cooler drafts outside later in the year.
Quick tip: On a windy day, slowly move your hand around the edges of closed windows and doors. If you feel air coming through, you've likely found an area that needs attention.
2. Clean your dryer vent
You probably clean the lint trap after every load, but lint can also accumulate inside the dryer vent and ductwork over time.
A clogged vent restricts airflow, which can make clothes take longer to dry, force your dryer to work harder, and create a potential fire hazard. Disconnect and clean the vent according to your dryer's manufacturer recommendations, and check the exterior vent opening for lint, debris, or anything else restricting airflow.
If your clothes are suddenly taking longer to dry or the dryer feels unusually hot, don't ignore it. Those can be signs that the vent needs attention.
3. Check your roof for summer damage
North Texas roofs endure a lot during the summer—from intense sun and triple-digit temperatures to wind, hail, and thunderstorms.
You don't need to climb onto the roof yourself to give it a basic inspection. From the ground, look for missing, curled, cracked, or damaged shingles and check for anything that appears out of place. You can also look inside your attic or along ceilings for signs of moisture or staining that could indicate a leak.
If you spot anything concerning, have a qualified roofing professional take a closer look. Catching a small issue now could help prevent a much bigger problem during future storms.
4. Service your garage door
The garage door is one of the largest moving components in your home, but it's easy to forget about it until something stops working.
Inspect the tracks and rollers for visible wear or debris, check the weather seal along the bottom of the door, and listen for unusual squeaking, grinding, or jerking when the door opens and closes. Test the safety sensors and automatic reversal system according to the manufacturer's instructions, and lubricate approved moving parts where recommended.
Springs and cables are under significant tension, so leave repairs or adjustments involving those components to a professional.
5. Clean and inspect ceiling fans
After months of helping keep rooms comfortable, your ceiling fans could probably use a little attention.
Turn each fan off and wipe down the blades, light fixtures, and housing to remove accumulated dust. Check for loose screws or noticeable wobbling while the fan is operating. A wobbling fan may simply need tightening or balancing, but anything that appears damaged should be inspected before continued use.
And when cooler weather finally arrives in North Texas, check your fan's manufacturer instructions to see whether it has a reversible setting. Many fans can be switched to circulate warm air that collects near the ceiling during cooler months.
A little maintenance goes a long way
September is a natural transition point for your home, too. Taking care of a few small projects now can help address the effects of a long North Texas summer while preparing your home for the months ahead.
You don't have to tackle everything in one weekend. Choose one project at a time, work your way through the list, and head into fall knowing you've given your home a little extra care.
And remember: if you ever need a trusted local professional for a home project or repair, reach out to us. We're always happy to connect our clients with people we know and trust.
