You know the problem with fall? You have to clean up from summer and get ready for winter. But maybe if you get started now, you might have some time to appreciate autumn on its own merits. Columnist Darrell Hay goes more in-depth into how to do five of the tasks below.

Home

• Bring in the barbie. Lots of us grill year-round, but if you don't like the idea of damp tongs, you can wheel your portable barbecue indoors for storage. (Never use it indoors!) Keep propane tanks outside, though, covered with a plastic bag or tarp, since propane poses an explosion risk indoors.

• Seal the swing set. Sturdy, anchored wooden play equipment can weather the outdoors, as can heavier plastic models. But wooden play equipment will last longer if you apply water sealer in the fall. While you're at it, check for splintered areas and sand any rough spots. (See Ask the Expert for more.)

• Big-tool tune-ups. Tune your lawn mower before you store it. Drain the fuel (or give it one last run around the yard until it runs out of gas). Then disconnect the spark-plug wire (important!) before you change the oil, air filter and spark plug. Use a putty knife or water to clean dirt, grass and other gunk from under the deck. (See Ask the Expert.)

• Protect the patio furniture. Bring in portable, lightweight plastic lawn furniture and cushions. Heavier pieces, like wrought-iron, can be left out, protected by covers or plastic bags.

• Pool resources. Check with a professional about whether and how to drain your pool. Then cover it and remove ladders and hoses. Cover or remove diving boards. Bring kiddie pools indoors.

• Gutter clutter. Clear or repair gutters and downspouts to make sure runoff is directed away from your home. While you're up there — carefully — check for roof damage. (See Ask the Expert for more.)

• Duct work: Consider having your air ducts cleaned if family members suffer from respiratory infections, asthma or allergies; if there is visible mold growth inside ducts or on other heating components; if the ducts are infested with insects or rodents; or if excessive amounts of dust and debris are released from your registers. (See Ask the Expert.)

• Heating elements: Before turning on your forced-air heating unit, make sure nothing flammable has been stored next to the furnace over the summer. Change the filters and make sure all access panels are secure, with all the screws in place. (See Ask the Expert.)

Run your heater for a few minutes to burn off the dust (that smell is normal) and to make sure it is in working order before you need it. Consider a professional furnace checkup.

If you have a gas heater, clean its burners and ports, or have them professionally cleaned.

For an oil heater, have the burner professionally serviced; lubricate fan and motor bearings.

If you use a heat pump, schedule an annual service call to have a certified professional inspect the wiring, check belts and oil moving parts.

• Strip check: Check the weatherstripping around all your doors and windows and replace it if necessary to reduce drafts and warm-air loss. Make sure the weatherstripping on the door between your garage and home is intact to reduce the risk of carbon-monoxide poisoning.

• Chimney sweep. (If you have trouble scheduling an appointment, remember that we did remind you to do this over the summer, when it's not so busy.) Have a professional clean your flue liners to prevent creosote buildup. Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves should be inspected annually and cleaned and repaired as required. Consider a chimney cap to keep out water, debris and critters.

• Give openings a close look. Inspect all windows and doors and replace any cracked or broken glass; tighten or repair loose or damaged frames; replace broken, worn or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers; check for broken or missing glazing. Inspect caulking and replace if necessary.

Garden

• Pull up plants. Uproot dead potted annuals; throw out the soil; and store pots in a shed, garage or basement. Terra-cotta pots can freeze outside, and plastic pots will wear out from exposure.

• Tool time. Dip shears, weeders, pruners, spades and other hand tools in sand mixed with motor oil to clean and lubricate them before storing.

• Much to mulch. This month, mulch your garden paths with wood chips so they aren't wet and muddy all winter. In November, mulch your roses.

• Soil solutions. If your food-garden soil is acidic, douse it with lime after the harvest so the pH can adjust over winter. You also can improve your soil by sowing a green manure such as vetch, field peas or crimson clover. Compost garden waste as you clean beds, and pile fall leaves over any unplanted spots and root crops.

• For your flowers. Deadhead perennials (leave some seeds on flowers for the birds). You can plant fall pansies and kale in September and crocus, daffodils and tulips in late October.

Sources: www.weather.com; www.servicemagic.com; www.travelers.com; http://landscaping.about.com; Mary Robson, retired area horticulture agent for Washington State University/King County Cooperative Extension.

This is a seasonal feature in digs compiled by Sandy Dunham, Seattle Times desk editor.