September Maintenance - Southwest
Heat begins easing. Time to emerge and assess summer damage.
September in the Southwest: The Light at the End
September in the Southwest is when you can finally see the end of the heat tunnel. Temperatures start to moderate—from brutal to merely hot. Monsoon season winds down. You can go outside without feeling like you’re walking into an oven.
This is emergence month. You’ve been hibernating from the heat for months, and now you can finally assess what summer did to your property. Get out there, inspect, and start making plans.
This Month’s Tasks
1. Post-Summer Exterior Inspection 🔧🔧
Time: 2-3 hours
You’ve been inside for months. Now walk around and see what the summer did.
Inspect stucco for cracks and damage. Check paint for fading and peeling. Look for sun damage to seals and caulking. Examine roofing for damage. Check windows and doors for seal failures.
The Southwest sun is brutal. Summer damage is inevitable—find it now.
2. AC Post-Season Check 🔧🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Your AC ran hard all summer. Give it some attention before you shut it down.
Clean or replace filters one more time. Clear debris from around the outdoor unit. Check for any issues that developed over the summer. Schedule professional service if you noticed problems.
A well-maintained AC is ready to go when next summer arrives.
HVAC issues? → Find an HVAC contractor →
3. Resume Outdoor Projects 🔧🔧
Time: Whatever you can give it
Comfortable weather is returning. Tackle the projects you couldn’t do in 110° heat.
Make repairs. Paint and seal. Improve your outdoor spaces. The Southwest fall is prime project season—take advantage.
4. Pool Assessment After Heavy Use 🔧🔧
Time: 1-2 hours
Your pool has been working hard all summer. Give it a thorough assessment.
Check all equipment for wear and damage. Test and balance water chemistry. Clean filters and baskets. Look for signs of needed repairs. Reduce pump run times as temperatures drop.
A well-maintained pool lasts longer and costs less to operate.
5. Irrigation Adjustment 🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Temperatures are dropping. Adjust your irrigation accordingly.
Reduce watering frequency as evaporation decreases. Check for system damage. Adjust timers for fall conditions. Consider converting some spray heads to drip for efficiency.
Don’t overwater as the season changes.
6. Plan Fall Projects 🔧
Time: 1-2 hours
Fall is the Southwest’s second spring. Plan your projects.
What exterior work needs to be done? What landscape improvements are on your list? What repairs did you identify during your inspection? Make a plan and gather materials.
The best weather of the year is coming. Be ready for it.
7. Check Monsoon Damage 🔧🔧
Time: 1 hour
Monsoon season may have done damage you haven’t discovered yet.
Check drainage areas for erosion. Look for water damage around the foundation. Inspect roofing for displaced materials. Check that drainage systems are intact.
Address any monsoon-related issues before they become bigger problems.
The Bottom Line
September in the Southwest is liberation month. The extreme heat begins to ease, and you can finally go outside without suffering. Assess summer damage, service your AC after months of hard work, and resume outdoor projects. The best weather of the year is approaching—emerge from your summer hibernation and get things done.