Home Maintenance Checklist: September 2025

September’s Home Maintenance Checklist for Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland

As fall begins to settle in the Chicagoland area, September is an ideal time to shift focus—getting your home ready for the colder months ahead can save you stress and money later. Below are 4 essential tasks you should tackle this month, along with why each matters, the risks of skipping them, and helpful local businesses to assist.

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1. Service Your Furnace or Boiler

Why it’s important: Cooler nights are looming. Ensuring your heating system is serviced now means efficient performance, improved energy savings, and peace of mind through the chilly season.
If neglected: Increased energy bills, breakdown risk on the first cold night, or even dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks.
Who can help:

• Four Seasons Heating and Cooling

• Illiana HVAC

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2. Clean Air Ducts and Dryer Vents

Why it’s important: Dust, debris, and lint accumulate in air ducts and dryer vents over time. Cleaning them now improves airflow, boosts heating efficiency, reduces allergens, and prevents fire hazards.
If neglected: Reduced HVAC efficiency, higher energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and increased risk of dryer fires.
Who can help:

• Americlean Duct Cleaning —professional air duct and dryer vent cleaning 

• Stanley Steemer —expert cleaning for ducts, vents, and home systems 

3. Roof Inspection

Why it’s important: Pre-winter roof checks catch missing or damaged shingles, cracks, and flashing issues before snow, ice, or freeze-thaw cycles worsen them.
If neglected: You risk leaks, water damage to insulation or ceilings, and higher heating costs due to reduced attic efficiency.
Who can help:

• Chiatello Roofing - general contractor that specialized in roofing located in Dyer, IN

• Rogers Roofing—a storied, A+ BBB-accredited company since 1968, offering roofing, siding, gutter, and window services across NW Indiana

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4. Inspect Windows and Doors for Drafts

Why it’s important: Drafty doors and windows are energy-wasters. Sealing or replacing worn-out weather stripping helps keep warm air in and cold air out.
If neglected: Higher heating bills, uncomfortable indoor temperatures, and accelerated wear on HVAC systems.
Who can help:

• Mr. Honey Do Services—handles general handyman tasks such as sealing, door/window repairs, and insulation improvements

• Haven Home Services LLC—also handles window and door repairs along with general home maintenance

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5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Why it’s important: As you use furnaces more, ensuring safety devices function properly is non-negotiable.
If neglected: Nonworking detectors leave you vulnerable to undetected fires or CO buildup—a silent but life-threatening hazard.
Who can help:

• Handyman of NWI—licensed, insured, and bonded—capable of installing or testing detectors throughout Lake and Porter Counties

• NWI Handyman & More—covers a range of home repairs and installations—perfect for detector checks or upgrades

Why These Are Vital in September

As the region transitions to fall, preparing now can:

• Deliver energy savings when heating demands rise.

• Prevent weather-related damage.

• Keep your home cozy and safe throughout winter.

• Avoid emergency breakdowns and emergency services at inflated costs.

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Stay ahead of schedule with our seasonal maintenance blogs!

Creatre a free account on our website for more home care tips and seasonal maintenance schedules! Prefer hands-on help? We’re happy to refer you to trusted local professionals for any services you’re planning—just reach out and we’ll make the connection.

Let’s keep your home safe, comfortable, and winter-ready.