September in Billings is that in-between season—still warm enough for patio dinners but with those crisp evenings that remind us winter isn’t far off. Before the first snow shows up in the Beartooths (and it always sneaks up on us), here are five quick things you’ll be glad you did around the house:

1. Clean Those Gutters

Cottonwood leaves, pine needles, and fall winds = clogged gutters. A quick cleanout now keeps water flowing and prevents ice dams when the temps drop.

2. Give Your Furnace Some Love

Schedule a service before you need to crank the heat. Furnace companies get swamped after the first cold snap, so beat the rush. Bonus: grab a pack of filters—you’ll thank yourself later.

3. Stop Drafts Before They Start

Billings winds can whistle right through old windows and doors. Check for gaps and add weatherstripping or caulking where needed. It’ll keep things cozy and cut down your heating bill.

4. Trim Trees & Bushes

Those fall gusts can break branches, especially ones hanging near your roof or power lines. A quick trim keeps your yard (and your home) safer before storms hit.

5. Check Sprinklers & Outdoor Faucets

We usually winterize sprinklers in October, but September’s the time to spot leaks or busted heads. Fixing them now makes the blow-out smoother later.

None of this takes too long, and knocking it out in September means fewer headaches when Billings flips from fall to full-on winter overnight (because it always does).