September home maintenance checklist

• Book the furnace tune-up Pro
  Heating companies get busy fast in October. Have a TSSA-certified gas technician inspect and clean the furnace now. Furnace cost guide →
• Run the heat once before the first cold night DIY
  Turn the thermostat up for a few minutes on a cool day. A burning-dust smell for a short time is normal; a furnace that won't start is better discovered now.
• Replace worn door sweeps and weatherstripping DIY
  Close each exterior door on a strip of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing. It's one of the cheapest ways to cut drafts. Windows and doors guide →
• Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter DIY
  Look outside where cables, pipes and vents go through the wall. Seal gaps with caulking or foam to keep out drafts, water and mice.
• Close the pool Pro
  Have the pool closed and the lines winterized before the first frost, so water left in the pipes can't freeze and crack them. Pool repair guide →
• Check the hot tub cover DIY
  A waterlogged or torn cover lets heat escape all winter. Replace it before cold weather if it's heavy or cracked. Hot tub repair guide →

General guidance for typical GTA houses. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions, and call a licensed pro for gas, electrical and anything on a roof.