5 Pre-Winter Fixes You’ll Be Glad You Tackled in September in the Charlotte Metro Area

Home maintenance often follows a seasonal rhythm, and as we transition from summer to fall in the Charlotte Metro, it’s time to shift our focus to prevention. While spring is about refreshing and repairing, and summer is for upkeep and upgrades, early fall is when we can get ahead of potential winter issues.

Waiting until the temperatures drop to start your winter prep can lead to higher costs and unnecessary stress. By tackling a few manageable projects in September, you can avoid the last-minute rush, enjoy the milder weather, and head into the colder months with fewer surprises. Whether you plan to stay cozy in your home through winter or you’re considering selling in the near future, these fixes will help keep everything running smoothly.

Here are five ways to get ahead while there’s still time.

1. Check windows and doors for air leaks

Drafty doors and windows can let out more than just warm air; they can also make your heating system work overtime, leading to higher energy bills. Roughly a quarter of a home’s heat loss happens through poorly sealed doors and windows. In our humid climate, this can be especially problematic as we transition to cooler temperatures.

You don’t need any fancy tools to identify problem areas. On a breezy day, move your hand or a stick of incense slowly along the edges of frames. If you feel air movement or see the smoke shift direction, that’s a clear sign of a gap.

Common spots to check include:

• Caulking around the exterior of windows
• Weatherstripping along door frames
• Gaps beneath exterior doors or at patio sliders

Replacing worn weatherstripping and resealing with caulk can usually be done in a single afternoon without needing to call in a professional.

2. Replace or clean HVAC filters

If you haven’t checked your HVAC filters since summer began, now’s a great time to replace them. Dirty filters can reduce airflow, collect dust, and put extra strain on your heating system, especially as it starts running more frequently in the cooler months.

Most households can follow a 90-day replacement cycle, but if you have pets or allergies, you might want to check them monthly. Filters are inexpensive and can be found easily at local hardware stores or online.

Additional HVAC maintenance to consider includes:

• Turning on the heat briefly to ensure the system responds correctly
• Clearing furniture and clutter from in front of vents and baseboard units
• If you haven’t had a professional tune-up in the last year, consider booking one before service providers fill up in October

Routine maintenance can catch minor issues before they escalate into emergency repairs.

3. Do a full exterior check

Several parts of your home’s exterior need attention before the weather shifts. Early fall is the perfect time to address these areas while conditions are still mild and contractors have more availability.

Start with gutters and downspouts. These often stay out of sight until they cause problems. When water can’t drain properly, it may overflow at the roofline, pool near the foundation, or create icy patches later in the season. Even if leaves haven’t started falling yet, summer debris—like twigs, seed pods, and roof granules—can still cause blockages. Cleaning them out now makes it easier to assess whether any repairs are needed.

Check for:

• Sagging or uneven gutter sections
• Loose or missing fasteners
• Downspouts that don’t direct water far enough from the home

If your property has mature trees, plan to clean the gutters again in late fall.

Don’t forget about your yard. Clear out dead branches, trim back overgrowth, and rake any early leaf accumulation. Piles of organic debris can attract pests or cause moisture buildup around the base of your home.

Outdoor water systems should also be shut down ahead of the first freeze. Disconnect garden hoses, drain them fully, and store them indoors if possible. Shut off the water supply to hose bibs and outdoor spigots. You might also want to consider installing insulated covers to reduce the risk of freezing.

If your property includes a pool, September is typically the time to arrange for a professional closing. This process may include lowering the water level, winterizing the pump and filter, adding closing chemicals, and securely installing a cover. Taking care of this before temperatures drop can prevent costly repairs in spring.

4. Prep your entryways for wet weather

As the seasons change, daily routines shift, and high-traffic entry areas can get messy quickly. Rain and mud can easily be tracked in, and small spaces can start to feel chaotic without a few updates.

This is a good time to evaluate what’s working and what needs adjustment. Are your rugs thick enough to absorb water? Is there a designated spot to store wet shoes or boots? Are coats piling up near the door?

Simple improvements can make a noticeable difference:

• Replace thin mats with ones designed for water absorption and durability
• Set out a boot tray to help contain messes
• Add wall hooks or a small bench with storage

Exterior lighting is also worth checking while the days are still long. Replace burnt-out bulbs and ensure fixtures are safe for winter weather.

If you’re planning to sell during or after winter, a clean and functional entryway is one of the first things potential buyers will notice during showings.

5. Organize your garage or storage areas

This is often the season when things start going missing in the garage. Cold-weather tools can get buried behind summer gear, holiday decorations become harder to reach, and clutter builds up quickly as routines shift.

September offers a window to sort things out before winter weather complicates access.

Focus on:

• Grouping together snow shovels, de-icer, windshield scrapers, and other winter tools
• Checking expiration dates on products like washer fluid or salt
• Storing garden hoses after draining them and shutting off outdoor taps

If you use your garage or shed for sports equipment or bulk household items, now’s a good time to rotate storage and clear out items you no longer need.

For homeowners considering listing in the near future, an organized storage space can make the property feel more functional and well-kept during showings.

Thinking ahead this season?

September sits in that short window of time before cold weather routines fully take over. With a few simple projects, you can reduce future repairs, improve comfort, and keep your home running efficiently—no last-minute scrambling required.