Summer wrapped up fast this year. One week we were grilling and sweating, and next its football on TV and pumpkin-flavored everything at the store. The mornings are cooler, the days are getting shorter, and like clockwork, that Green Day song pops into my head Wake Me Up When September Ends.

While the weathers still decent, its a smart move to knock out a few projects around the house. These projects will not only save energy but also make your home feel a whole lot more comfortable once the cold shows up.

One of the easiest things to check is your windows. If you have cold spots or feel a little breeze coming through, its probably not the glass. Its more likely that air is sneaking around the window frame. A little caulk or some spray foam can seal that right up.

If youre feeling ambitious, pop off the trim inside and foam around the rough opening. Thats where most of the heat loss comes from. It doesnt take much time and will make a big difference when winter rolls in.

Another thing to think about is insulation. A lot of homes dont have enough, especially in the attic. But insulation isnt just about the attic. Walls matter just as much. If your homes walls are older or were built before modern insulation standards, they might not hold heat as expected.

This can make rooms feel colder than they should, even when the furnace runs. Over time, insulation settles or shifts, and some older homes might not have any at all in certain walls.

Calling an insulation company to come out and check your homes insulation levels is a smart move. They can assess both attic and wall insulation and suggest improvements. Adding blown-in insulation to walls or topping off the attic can make a big difference in comfort and energy bills. Its not always the flashiest upgrade, but its one of the best ways to make your house feel warmer and more even all winter.

Gutters are another easy thing to overlook. If theyre plugged up from summer storms or just full of leaves and debris, that can cause problems once freezing weather hits. Ice buildup can sneak under shingles and lead to roof damage, and thats a headache you dont want in the middle of winter. Cleaning out gutters now will help protect your home and keep water flowing where it should.

While youre thinking ahead, test the heat. Switch your thermostat to heat mode and let it run for a bit to make sure it kicks on and heats the house. Change the furnace filter, too. A clean filter helps your system run smoother and freshens the air inside. Knowing your heat works before the cold hits is just one less thing to worry about.

For me, this is also the time we usually close the pool and unplug the garage fridge. It primarily holds drinks and popsicles during the summer, so theres no reason to keep it running all winter. If we need it for a gathering, I just plug it back in a couple of days ahead of time.

September can feel like a busy month. Summer activities are wrapping up, and the cold weather hasnt quite arrived yet. Take advantage of this perfect weather window to get a few simple things done that will make a big difference once the temperatures drop. A little caulk here, a little insulation there, cleaning gutters, and checking the heat these small steps add to a warmer, more comfortable home all season long.