After the cold of winter, you’re likely to be looking forward to the long days and warmth of summer. The summer season is the perfect opportunity to tackle some needed home maintenance chores. This checklist makes it easy to get your home in shape. Knock out these tasks, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy those lovely summer days.
Summer is a great time to do a thorough wash of all your windows, both inside and out. If you plan to open your windows to enjoy the warmer weather, clean and replace the window screens.
Before you know it, you’ll be turning on your air conditioner. An A/C technician can inspect your unit to ensure that it is operating correctly, calibrate the thermostat, gauge and correct air flow, and change the filter. Having this done each year at the start of summer will protect you from costly repairs down the road.
Most ceiling fans can be set in two directions, running either clockwise or counterclockwise. For the summer months, you’ll want to set your ceiling fan blades to spin counterclockwise. When set this way, the fan blades will push air down to create a cool breeze. Remember to reset the fan to spin in the opposite direction at the start of winter.
Summer is a great time to get your chimney cleaned. When your air conditioner is running, it can pull air through the chimney, and the build-up of creosote and debris from the winter months can cause a chimney to emit unpleasant odors during the heat of summer. It’s also easier to schedule a chimney cleaning when you are not actively using it, as you might be during colder months.
We often think of gutter cleaning as a fall chore, as fall leaves clog up gutters and downspouts. If you haven’t cleaned out your gutters since the fall, now is a great time to tackle this chore. Debris accumulated since the winter months can wreak havoc once spring and summer rains start up. Thunderstorms often come with high winds, which can re-clog your gutters. So, plan on checking them throughout the summer months.
After the harsher winter months, you may find that your home’s siding has developed cracks or has some spots that are beginning to rot. While the weather is nice, do a thorough inspection of your home’s siding, roof, and flashing. Look for any signs of damage or excessive wear. Repair anything that needs attention. If your paint is chipping, peeling, or cracking, touch up those areas before any further damage occurs.
Warm weather means outdoor cooking, and you’ll want your grill to be in tip-top shape for the summer backyard barbecue season. Inspect your grill, looking for any signs of rust, bugs, and pests. Check the fuel line for cracks and tighten all the connections. Remove any debris from inside the grill. Clean or replace the grease pan. Use a wire brush to clean the inside components and the grates. For tough grime, soak the metal components in a mix of two cups vinegar and one cup baking soda and scrub until clean.
You can rent a pressure washer to make cleaning your outdoor hard surfaces quick and easy. A power washer can clean off a wood deck with just water. It should be used properly with the correct pressure setting so you don’t damage the wood. If the wood is splintering or worn, consider resealing the deck.
Once your patio or deck is cleaned, you can set up your patio furniture. Combine stand-alone chairs with a patio sofa or sectional. Add a coffee table and some small end tables for drinks and plates. Add some comfortable cushions and pillows. If it gets hot on your deck or patio, set up an awning or an umbrella to provide shade for you and your guests. A nice touch for nighttime entertaining is a string of electric lights above your seating area.
It is important to check your backyard play structure before the summer season begins. Check for any defective or broken parts, loose hardware, and rust or rot. Tighten up any loose hardware and paint any metal that has chipping paint. Add enough surfacing material under your play structure to keep it safe in case a child falls from the equipment.
Summer is a great time to get out that ladder and inspect your home’s siding, paint, and roof. Check for any damage, rot, or mold. Many siding and paint problems can be tackled by the average DIY homeowner, but if you do find extensive areas of concern, you might need the help of a professional.
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The time before the peak summer growing season is the best time to aerate your lawn. Aeration allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots, creating a healthier and more vibrant lawn.
Mulch helps keep out weeds and conserves moisture in the soil. You should replace or replenish mulch once you see signs of decomposition, if the mulch has eroded or has changed color. You can add new mulch on top of older mulch.
Fences can get damaged over the winter months as snow and wind take their toll. Once the weather gets warmer, walk along the length of your fence, looking for broken slats, loose poles, or discoloration. Repairing your fence is more cost effective than replacing a whole fence; regular maintenance can help save you money over the long run.
With the onset of warmer weather in spring, your bushes and plants experience a surge in growth. In general, flowering bushes should be pruned in late spring or early summer after they finish blooming. Clear your yard of broken branches, old leaves, and bush clippings, especially along fence lines and your home’s foundation. This will keep water from accumulating and causing damage in these areas.
A regular home maintenance schedule helps you keep on top of your home’s repair and rejuvenation for every season. Not only will doing these summer chores help your home and yard look their best, but you will also save money by preventing any damage or deterioration. If you find that any of these tasks require specialized skills, contact a professional as soon as you realize your need. Many landscaping and home repair specialists get booked as the summer months go on. Getting these projects taken care of as soon as possible saves you extra work, time, and money down the road.
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