☀️Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Summer is the best time for outdoor projects and the worst time for your AC to die. Stay ahead of both with this checklist... most of it is quick visual inspections that catch problems while they're still cheap to fix.
15 tasks across 4 categories
Cooling & Energy
Check AC performance monthly
The air coming from your vents should be 15-20 degrees cooler than the room temperature. If the gap is smaller, something's off.
AC Blowing Warm Air Fix→Change the HVAC filter
In summer, your AC runs constantly. Change the filter every 30-60 days instead of the usual 90. A clogged filter can freeze the evaporator coil.
HVAC Air Filter Guide→Clean around the outdoor AC unit
Clear any vegetation, debris, or mulch within 2 feet of the condenser. It needs airflow to work efficiently.
AC Replacement Guide→Check ceiling fan direction
Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in summer to push air down. Flip the switch on the motor housing if needed.
Ceiling Fan Guide→Inspect windows and weather stripping
Hold a lit candle near window edges on a windy day. If the flame flickers, you're losing cooled air and wasting money.
Window Replacement Guide→Outdoor Living
Seal or stain the deck
If water doesn't bead on the surface anymore, the sealant is gone. Reapply every 1-3 years depending on your climate and sun exposure.
Deck Replacement Guide→Inspect the grill
Check burners for blockages, clean the grates, and look for rust on the firebox. A grill that heats unevenly or has holes in the bottom is done.
Grill Replacement Guide→Check sprinkler system coverage
Run each zone and walk the yard. Look for broken heads, dry spots, and runoff that's watering the sidewalk instead of the lawn.
Sprinkler System Guide→Inspect outdoor furniture
Tighten any loose bolts. Check for rust, cracked plastic, or fraying fabric. A wobbly chair is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Outdoor Furniture Guide→Pest Prevention
Check for ant trails and entry points
Ants are most active in summer. Seal cracks around the foundation and where pipes enter the house. Bait stations work better than spray.
How to Get Rid of Ants→Eliminate standing water for mosquitoes
Dump anything that holds water: plant saucers, old tires, bird baths (refresh weekly), clogged gutters. Mosquitoes breed in as little as a bottle cap of water.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes→Inspect for wasp nests
Check eaves, porch ceilings, and outdoor light fixtures. Small nests (golf ball size) are easy to knock down early. Large ones need a professional.
How to Get Rid of Wasps→Interior
Deep clean the refrigerator coils
Pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils on the back or bottom. Dusty coils make the compressor work harder and die sooner.
Refrigerator Replacement Guide→Run the garbage disposal with ice and salt
Toss a cup of ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt in, then run the disposal. It cleans the blades and breaks up buildup.
Garbage Disposal Guide→Check the dryer vent
Go outside and make sure the vent flap opens when the dryer is running. Clean the full vent line at least once a year... lint buildup is a fire hazard.
Dryer Replacement Guide→Other Seasons
Adjust this checklist for your climate and home type. Not every task applies to every home.