September maintenance for a hot-dry climate
Intense sun and heat, little rain, monsoon storms in some areas, and hard water.
6 tasks this month. The median typical first freeze across the region’s counties is Nov 9 and the last is Mar 26; your county can differ by weeks.
September6 tasks
- This monthPress the test button on every smoke and CO alarm.
An alarm you have not heard in months may have a dead battery or sensor. NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month.
How
Hold the test button until it sounds. Anything silent or chirping: replace the battery, or the whole alarm if it is past its date.
- This monthTest the garage door’s auto-reverse.
A door that does not reverse on contact can seriously injure a child or pet.
How
Lay a 2x4 flat under the door and close it. It should reverse on touching the board. Also wave something through the photo-eye beam while it closes.
- WatchDegrease the range-hood filter.
Grease-clogged hood filters stop pulling smoke and grease out of the kitchen and can feed a stovetop fire.
How
Pop the metal filter out and soak it in hot water with dish soap and baking soda, or run it through the dishwasher if the maker allows.
- WatchCheck caulk around tubs, showers and sinks; redo any that is cracked.
Failed caulk lets water behind tile and into the subfloor.
How
Cut out cracked or moldy caulk, clean and dry the joint, and apply a bead of kitchen-and-bath silicone.
- WatchClear leaves, weeds and debris from around the outdoor AC or heat-pump unit.
The outdoor coil needs open airflow; blocked fins make it run hotter and longer.
How
Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect, clear 2 feet around it, and gently hose the fins from inside out if the maker allows.
- WatchWalk the house for new stucco cracks after the summer heat.
Hairline stucco cracks are normal, but wider or growing ones let water behind the wall in winter rains.
How
Mark the ends of cracks with a pencil and date; seal small ones with an elastomeric patch.