September's cool winds are just around the corner. Below are a few home maintenance tips to smooth your transition from summer to fall.

Service your systems. Checking your furnace and changing your furnace filter before the cold creeps in will put you ahead of the game. Make an appointment with a professional to have your heating system tune up.

Freeze-proof your faucets. The mere mention of a busted water pipe is enough to make any homeowner cringe. The pipe that is most likely to freeze is your outdoor faucets for hoses and sprinklers. To avoid cold-weather damage, install a freeze-proof faucet and sleep soundly.

Weather-proof those windows. Solidly sealed windows will help control your home's temperature. When is the last time you checked your window's weathering? Before fall, weatherstrip and caulk your windows to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. As soon as the temperatures begin to drop, replace those breezy summer drapes with heavier versions to keep your living space cozy until spring.

Clear gutters. It's best to clear out your gutters at the change of every season. Before fall begins dropping its leaves, give your gutters a purge.

Sweep that chimney. Do you have a working fireplace? If so, it's best to have a professional chimney sweep come take a look to make sure you don't have any dangerous build up that could cause damage when you strike that first match come fall.

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