September home checklist for Spain: What to do before the weather changes

September is the time to give your home in Spain some attention. The heat may not be finished just yet, but this is the point in the year when summer dust, salt air, dry gardens and months of hard use start to show. A sudden storm is often what exposes problems, such as a blocked drain, a leaking terrace or an air conditioning unit that quietly stopped working properly weeks ago.

What needs doing first depends on where you live. A coastal apartment has different problems to a villa inland, and a property left empty for part of the summer needs a different kind of check altogether.

Start outside before the first heavy rain

Clear leaves, dust and debris from terrace drains, roof gutters, patios and outside grilles. It’s easy to let this slide during the dry months, but a blocked drain is exactly what causes water to pool or force its way into a property once a storm arrives.

While you are outside, check around windows, terrace doors, awnings and shutters for loose seals, cracks or water marks. A small problem like this is far easier to fix now than after a torrential downpour has already found its way in.

Test exterior lights, gates, water pumps and any automatic irrigation system while everything is still dry. If your home is in an area prone to flooding, move valuables out of low storage areas and think ahead about where vehicles are parked when a weather warning is issued.

Keep an eye on the latest Spain weather updates so as to not be surprised by any sudden changes. AEMET expects a warmer than usual autumn across Spain, though a warm forecast doesn’t rule out sudden heavy rain. 

Give your air conditioning a proper once-over

After a long Spanish summer, air conditioning units deserve more than simply being switched off. It is recommended to clean or replace the filters, check for dripping water and listen for any unusual noise. If your unit also heats, test that function now rather than waiting for the first cold evening to find out it doesn’t work. A quick service today can save an unpleasant surprise when temperatures eventually drop.

Make sure outdoor units are clear of leaves, dust and plant growth, and if you live near the sea, check them a little more closely, as salt air speeds up corrosion faster than most people expect.

For local air conditioning engineers and repair companies, see the service listings in the latest EWN editions.

Coastal homes need a humidity check

Homes on the Costas and in Mallorca often face a problem that catches new residents off guard: humidity can do just as much damage as heat.

Open your wardrobes and cupboards, especially any against outside walls, and look for musty smells, mould, damp patches or clothes that feel slightly damp to the touch. Wash shower curtains, ventilate bathrooms properly and check that extractor fans are actually working.

Metal fittings need watching too. Railings, gates, locks, hinges and outdoor furniture near the sea can rust quickly, and a little cleaning and protective treatment now can save a much bigger replacement bill later.

Finally, empty any trays sitting beneath plant pots and check other spots where water tends to collect. It is a small job, but it cuts down on mosquitoes and stops damp building up around terraces and balconies.

Living inland means bigger swings in temperature

Inland homes can stay warm well into the evening and then turn surprisingly cool overnight. Now is the moment to dig out blankets, check portable heaters and look over hot water systems before you actually need them. If you have a wood burner, fireplace or gas appliance, get it safety-checked and make sure the carbon monoxide alarm still works. Older homes in particular are worth going round for draughts at windows and doors.

Anyone near countryside or undeveloped land should also check for dry vegetation close to fences, sheds and walls. Fire risk doesn’t disappear just because the height of summer has passed.

Don’t abandon the pool just yet

September is not the time to switch off a pool and simply forget about it. Pool owners should reduce the running hours gradually, keep checking the water quality and clean the filters properly. Left untreated, a pool can turn green within days, and equipment that is allowed to sit neglected tends to fail in ways that cost far more than routine maintenance would have.

If you plan to use a cover later in the year, inspect it now while there is still time to replace it. It is also worth checking lights, ladders, tiles and any loose paving around the edge.

Pool maintenance, garden care and outdoor repair services can be found in the local service pages of the Virtual EWN editions.

Returning after time away

If your Spanish home has been empty since August, do a proper walk around rather than unpacking and assuming everything is fine. Run every tap and flush every toilet. Check beneath sinks, behind the washing machine and around the boiler for slow leaks. Open the cupboards and wardrobes, check the fridge and freezer, and look for any sign of pests or mould.

And make sure a trusted neighbour, friend or keyholder has your current phone number. They may well be the first person to spot a leak, a power cut or storm damage while you are away.

A small job now can prevent a large bill later

September is one of the best months to get on top of home maintenance in Spain. Contractors are usually easier to book, the hottest weather is starting to ease, and there is still time to fix problems before the heavier rain and cooler nights arrive.

Whether you need a plumber, electrician, air conditioning engineer, pool specialist, pest control company or gardener, readers can find local businesses in the latest EWN editions, covering Costa del Sol, Axarquía, Almería, Costa Blanca North, Costa Blanca South, Costa Cálida and Mallorca.