The Homeowner’s September Checklist: Prep for Fall While It’s Still Warm

September has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute, it’s backyard barbecues and long sunny evenings. The next, the mornings feel a little cooler, the days get a little shorter, and the school supply aisle is packed. Fall is coming. And while the leaves haven’t turned just yet, smart homeowners across Nassau and Suffolk Counties know this is the perfect time to get ahead of seasonal changes before the temperature drops and the rush begins.

At JPS Electric, we’ve been helping Long Island families prep for every season since 1985. Year after year, we’ve seen how a little early prep in September can save a lot of stress down the road. From protecting your home against power outages to making sure your outdoor lighting is ready for darker evenings, here’s your go-to electrical checklist to transition smoothly from summer to fall while the weather still works in your favor.

Why Now? Why September?

September is a sweet spot. It’s late enough in the season to know how your electrical system held up through the summer heatwaves and storms. It is also still early enough to schedule service or upgrades before the fall workload picks up.

Waiting until September or October might seem harmless, but by then, you’re dealing with colder mornings, unpredictable storms, and a whole lot more people trying to book last-minute service. Installing, inspecting, or upgrading now gives you the advantage. You beat the rush, take advantage of clear weather, and start the season with peace of mind.

1. Check Your Outdoor Lighting

As the days prepare to get shorter, your outdoor lighting becomes more important than ever for safety, visibility, and curb appeal. If you haven’t walked your property after dark recently, now is the time.

What to look for:

• Burnt-out bulbs

• Flickering lights

• Loose or rusted fixtures

• Outdated setups that don’t light pathways or entrances effectively

Outdoor lighting isn’t just about looks. It keeps your home safe, lights pathways, and adds curb appeal as nights get longer.

Outdoor lighting is about more than looks. It protects your property, deters break-ins, and helps visitors or delivery drivers find their way. Whether it’s a simple bulb replacement or a full upgrade with energy-efficient LEDs or smart lighting systems, making changes in September ensures everything is working before fall brings longer nights and stormy weather.

And if you’re thinking of adding something new, such as path lights, uplighting for your landscaping, or motion sensors, this is the perfect month to do it.

2. Inspect Your Service Panel

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. It quietly manages the flow of electricity to every circuit in your house, from the kitchen and A/C unit to the outlets in your garage. But summer heatwaves, increased air conditioning use, and electrical surges from storms can put that panel to the test.

Warning signs to watch for:

• Breakers that trip frequently

• Buzzing or humming sounds near the panel

• A panel that feels warm to the touch

• Scorch marks or unusual odors

Your electrical panel works quietly in the background, but signs like tripped breakers or buzzing sounds mean it’s time for a professional check.

Even if everything seems fine, now is the time to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel. This is especially true if your home is older or hasn’t had an upgrade in decades. A quick inspection can catch small issues before they turn into dangerous ones. It is one of the simplest, most important steps you can take toward long-term safety.

At JPS Electric, we’ve worked on panels in hundreds of homes across Long Island. Whether you need a tune-up, an upgrade, or just peace of mind, we are here to help.

3. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Cooler weather means closed windows, longer nights, and more time indoors. That also means it is time to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly.

Here’s what to do:

• Press the test button on each unit and confirm it beeps loudly

• Replace batteries if they’re low or haven’t been changed in the past year

• Make sure every level of your home has at least one working detector

• Double-check expiration dates. Most detectors only last 7 to 10 years

Replace old batteries, test alarms, and confirm detectors are up to date to keep your family protected this season.

This step only takes a few minutes, but it could save lives. And if you're a JPS residential member, battery replacement is part of your yearly safety check. You also receive priority service and discounts on upgrades.

4. Clean Up Summer Wiring and Electrical Setups

Summer often comes with a patchwork of electrical add-ons. These may include extension cords for fans, lighting for patios, pool wiring, chargers, and outdoor kitchens or grills. Before fall sets in, take a walk around your property and clean up anything that was temporarily installed.

Key things to do:

• Disconnect and store extension cords that aren’t in use

• Inspect wiring around pools, decks, or outdoor kitchens

• Remove string lights or power tools no longer in use

• Check outdoor outlets for water damage or cracked covers

Cleaning up summer wiring prevents hazards and keeps your property ready for the cooler months ahead.

This is also a good time to talk to a professional about turning temporary setups into permanent, code-compliant wiring. Whether it’s upgrading your pool wiring, adding a dedicated circuit for an outdoor kitchen, or installing weather-safe outlets, JPS can help you make seasonal setups safer and easier to manage year after year.

5. Schedule a Generator Inspection—or Install a New One

Hurricane season in New York peaks between September and October. When the power goes out on Long Island, it usually isn’t for a few minutes. It is often hours, sometimes even days. The best time to think about whole-home generators is before you need one.

If you already have a generator, now is the time for a full test run:

• Start it up and let it run for a few minutes

• Make sure it powers all the circuits it’s supposed to

• Check fuel levels, filters, and transfer switches

If you don’t have one yet, September is an ideal time to schedule installation. The ground is still dry and workable. Scheduling is easier before fall hits full swing. And you’ll be ready before the next big storm.

Professional installation and maintenance ensure your generator is ready to protect your home when power goes out.

A properly installed generator can power your fridge, heating, sump pump, medical equipment, lights, and more. It keeps your family safe and comfortable no matter what’s happening outside.

At JPS Electric, we offer sales, installation, and ongoing maintenance for whole-home generators. We will guide you through the process, help you choose the right system, and make sure it’s ready when you need it most.

Bonus Tip: Consider a Residential Membership

If you haven’t already joined JPS’s residential membership program, now is the time to consider it. For homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk, our membership offers:

• A full annual safety inspection

• Smoke detector battery replacements

• Priority emergency service

• Discounts on all installations over $500

• Free device upgrades after five years

It is a simple way to stay ahead of maintenance and save money, without needing to remember every little thing yourself.

Let JPS Electric Help You Power into Fall

For nearly 40 years, JPS Electric has helped Long Island homeowners protect, upgrade, and power their homes. Whether you need a quick outlet inspection, a full panel upgrade, or a custom lighting design, our family-owned team is here to help you finish summer strong and head into fall with confidence.

We know these homes. We know this weather. And we know how to keep you safe, powered, and prepared in every season of the year.

Visit https://www.jpselectricinc.com/get-a-quote to schedule your fall prep inspection. We serve Freeport, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and communities across Long Island as your friendly neighborhood electricians since 1985.