September Home Maintenance and Cozy Fall Upgrades
As we say goodbye to summer and embrace the first signs of fall, September is the perfect time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. While you’re tackling essential maintenance tasks, why not take the opportunity to add some cozy touches that will make your home feel inviting this fall? Here’s a friendly guide to help you balance home upkeep with seasonal upgrades:
Home Maintenance Tasks
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Check Your HVAC System: Houston’s climate can be unpredictable, so make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently. Schedule a professional service if you haven’t already, and replace air filters to ensure good air quality and energy efficiency.
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Inspect and Clean Your Gutters: With fall approaching, it’s crucial to clear leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent water damage. Make sure they’re properly secured and functioning to handle any heavy rain showers we might get.
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Test Your Outdoor Lighting: With the days getting shorter, it’s important to check that your outdoor lighting is working correctly. Ensure pathways, driveways, and entrances are well-lit for safety and security. Replace any burned-out bulbs and consider adding solar-powered lights for an easy upgrade.
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Seal Gaps and Check Weatherstripping: Prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency by inspecting weatherstripping around doors and windows. Seal any gaps to keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills as temperatures start to drop.
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Stay Ready for Hurricane Season: While Houston's hurricane season is still active, ensure you have supplies like batteries, flashlights, shelf-stable food, bottled water and a plan for securing your home. Review your emergency kit and restock any necessary items. Check our previously published guide for a great list of surprisingly helpful items to have on hand in the event of a power outage.
Cozy Fall Upgrades and Smart Buys
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Add Scented Candles: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with fall-scented candles. Think apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or vanilla—these scents will bring a touch of autumn into your home and make it feel extra cozy.
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Decorate with a Fall Wreath: Welcome the season with a beautiful fall wreath on your front door. Choose one with autumnal colors like deep oranges, reds, and yellows to add a festive touch to your home’s exterior.
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Update Your Welcome Mat: A fresh, seasonal welcome mat can make a big difference in your home’s entryway. Opt for a design that reflects the fall season or simply a new mat to keep things looking clean and inviting.
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Purchase Storage Containers for Holiday Decor: Get ahead of the holiday rush by buying storage containers for your holiday decorations now. Organizing your decor early will save you time and hassle when it’s time to start decorating.
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Shop for Halloween Decorations: If you’re a Halloween enthusiast, now is the time to stock up on decorations before they’re all gone. From spooky yard signs to fun indoor decor, getting your Halloween gear early ensures you’ll be ready for all the festivities.
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Add Cozy Throws and Pillows: Bring warmth to your living spaces with cozy throws and decorative pillows in autumn colors. These small changes can make your home feel inviting and perfect for fall gatherings.
By staying on top of these maintenance tasks and adding some cozy fall touches, you’ll ensure your home is both functional and festive as we transition into the new season. Here’s to a smooth and enjoyable start to fall in the Greater Houston Area!
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
