It may still be summer, but just like the inevitable invasion of pumpkin-spiced everything, fall will start occurring soon. 

When making fall preparations, it’s tempting to stick with the decorative stuff: the scarecrows, the cornstalks, and all those discount decorations that got purchased the day after last year’s Halloween. But fall preparations also mean getting ready for weather changes, an important thing to observe even in areas that don’t experience much in the way of fall crispness. 

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of things to check before everything goes orange, black, and brown.

1. The Interior 

Even in tropic/subtropic areas, take the time now to check the windows and doors for any drafts or cracks. Why now? When the weather changes, any drop in temperatures could make the house less comfortable while also driving up the power bill. Use a lighter flame as a quick way to check for air flow, and replace/caulk window and door seals if necessary. 

Replace or clean the air conditioner filter, and if you own a programmable thermostat, change the settings for cooler air at night and warmer during the day. Considerations can be made for a homeowner’s temperature preference (some people like sleeping in a 78-degree house) or if anyone has to work from home. And test the home safety devices like the smoke alarm or any proximity alert systems, especially if a quick battery change can fix the problem.

If you’ve got a fireplace, clean out the chimney. Few things can be more irritating than wanting to light a fire on a chilly day and discovering a nest blocking the exit. 

And if you’ve got to go outside to clear out the nest, you might as well start planning to address…

2. The Exterior

Even after you’ve already inspected the interior for drafts, check the exterior edges around all the doors and windows for the same thing. The lighter test should still work, but might be difficult if the wind starts picking up. 

Check the roof, even if winter snows won’t present a problem. Specifically, check for missing, damaged, or loose shingles, which could turn into leaking spots or loss of insulation depending on the climate. This would also be a good time to check for any signs of water damage and to clear any debris off the roof, especially with flat-topped homes. 

While clearing the debris, check the rain gutter and remove anything preventing the flow of rainwater. Be cautious when clearing the roof that nothing in the yard will get hit with falling debris, like an exterior air conditioning unit, garden, or family member. If you have an exterior AC unit, make plans to shut it down and secure it when the cold weather really hits in a few months. And if you’re feeling really constructive, do a visual check on any trees or plants on the property while you’re up there. 

3. Decorations

Not really a requirement for fall preparations, but if you do plan to decorate, make sure the pumpkins and hay bales don’t go in the yard until after Labor Day. It’s just common courtesy.