Summer is calling. While thoughts of poolside lounging and backyard barbecues might be top of mind, doing prep work now can keep unexpected repairs from disrupting your plans and relaxation.
Industry pros break down how to maintain and improve the inside and outside of your home to keep things running smoothly.
Indoor Summer Maintenance Checklist: Stay Cool and Comfortable
When temperatures rise, so does your reliance on cooling systems — and your utility bill if your home isn’t sealed tight. Now’s the time to audit and prep your home’s interior for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 1: Book an AC Tuneup
“Inside, one of the biggest summer issues homeowners experience is AC system failure,” says Jim Marino, CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements in Alpharetta, Ga. That's why now is a good time to schedule a tuneup. “Maintaining the AC unit provides peace of mind that it won’t break down when you need it most, and it also helps keep your energy bills from skyrocketing.”
Maintenance Checklist Tip 2: Change Your Ceiling Fan Setting
This is an easy win. Make sure ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise during the summer, says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company based in Waco, Texas. This setting circulates cool air more effectively and keeps your space more comfortable without overworking your AC. There may be exceptions to the direction, so use this test to make sure your ceiling fan is set correctly.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 3: Seal and Insulate
Hot air finds its way in through the smallest cracks. “Seal windows and doors to keep cool air in and hot air out, improving energy efficiency,” Shimek says. Upgrading weatherstripping is a quick, budget-friendly way to save energy and deter pests.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 4: Check and Clean Windows and Screens
Summer’s when you throw open the windows, so make sure they’re ready. Clean off grime and replace any torn screens to keep insects out. Also, consider installing blackout curtains or thermal window coverings to block the sun and reduce cooling costs.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 5: Inspect Attics and Basements
Your attic and basement can silently sabotage comfort and air quality. “Check the basement and attic for proper humidity levels and check for mold, which can quickly cause issues,” Marino says. Use a dehumidifier in moisture-prone areas and look for signs of poor insulation.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 6: Clean Fans, Vents, and Filters
Homeowners often overlook components from exhaust fans to air filters . “Check and clean your vents, ducts, and exhaust fans,” suggests Chris Counahan, chief sales officer at Leaf Home, headquartered in Hudson, Ohio. Also, change air filters to maintain proper airflow and indoor air quality.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 7: Freshen Up Floors, Tile, and Grout
The time to get floors in shape is before summer guests arrive. Vacuum and shampoo carpets, clean hardwood floors, and scrub grout in bathrooms and kitchens to nix any lingering winter grime.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 8: Refresh Your Paint Job
“I do tend to recommend house painting, interior and exterior, as a great spring home maintenance project to prepare for summer,” says Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improve, a house-painting service provider in Chicago. “The weather tends to be perfect for leaving windows open to dry and air out freshly painted rooms indoors.”
A fresh coat of paint not only enhances your space but also sets the tone for the entire season — especially if you're welcoming visitors. Make sure you choose the right finish.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 9: Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Barbecue season means more cooking — both inside and out. Take a few minutes to test smoke detectors and change batteries if needed, Marino suggests. You'll have one less thing to worry about.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 10: Banish Funky Odors
Warmer weather and more humidity can cause unwanted odors to grow from a whiff to a smelly wallop. Humidity traps odor-causing molecules, causing odors to travel farther and last longer, experts say. Clean up sources of trouble like pet items, bedding, and appliances, including the fridge and garbage disposal.
Outdoor Summer Maintenance Checklist: Boost Curb Appeal
Outside, the goal is to prevent damage from the elements, pests, and everyday wear and tear. Plus, an aesthetically appealing outdoor space is the cherry on top for the summer season.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 1: Inspect and Clean the Gutters
“Debris can quickly fill your gutters or clutter your roof, so it's important to assess any damage and clean your gutters after each storm,” Counahan says. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and mold. For added peace of mind, Counahan recommends adding a gutter guard system.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 2: Power Wash Like a Pro
“Power wash siding and walkways to remove mold, mildew, and grime buildup from spring rains and winter weather,” Shimek says. Use the correct pressure settings to avoid damage to siding or pavers. This is also a good time to freshen up fences, patios, and decks.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 3: Give Outdoor Structures a Once-Over
“Check your decks, fences, pergolas, and other outdoor structures for signs of wear, such as loose boards, rusted hardware, or peeling paint,” says Joe Raboine, VP of Design at Oldcastle APG, parent company of Belgard in Atlanta. Resealing decks and fences helps protect against UV damage and heavy rains.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 4: Add a Coat of Paint Or Refresh the Front Door
Exterior painting is another smart seasonal task, Lanphier says. “It’s not too hot or too cold outside to paint your home’s exterior. Having a fresh coat of paint outside can really help your home stand up to summer storms and humidity, plus it’s a great refresh that can mean you head into summer with a great-looking home indoors and out.”
Maintenance Checklist Tip 5: Prune and Trim to Boost Curb Appeal
“Start simple,” Raboine says. “Yard maintenance, such as tree trimming to prune back limbs around the house and removing dry leaves, helps homeowners prevent damage to the roof or gutters during high winds or summer thunderstorms.” Be sure to check for overgrown branches or shrubs that can touch your home or roof and create pest bridges.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 6: Pest-Proof the Perimeter
“Homeowners should start by inspecting the yard and exterior for areas where pests thrive,” says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe in Virginia Beach, Va. “Look for standing water that can attract mosquitoes and other pests.”
She recommends emptying buckets and birdbaths, sealing cracks around windows and siding, and keeping mulch six to 12 inches away from the home. “To help with general pest prevention, homeowners can keep their lawn mowed and have drainage issues addressed,” she adds.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 7: Check Sprinklers and Outdoor Plumbing
Turn on outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to ensure everything is functioning after winter’s freeze. Look for leaks, clogs, or misdirected sprinkler heads that waste water.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 8: Refresh Garden Beds and Lawn
Summer curb appeals starts in the garden. Remove dead plants, add fresh mulch, and fertilize the lawn. For lawn curb appeal, aerating helps soil breathe, while regular weeding keeps your landscape looking tidy. Don’t forget to add some color with a few summer-ready blooms like peonies, summer daisies, sunflowers, or hydrangeas.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 9: Light It Up
Whether you prefer twinkling string lights or color-changing LEDs, updating your outdoor lighting boosts curb appeal, ambiance, and safety. “Replace broken fixtures or install new ones to brighten up patios, walkways, and entryways,” Shimek advises.
Maintenance Checklist Tip 10: Prep the Grill
Give your grill a deep clean and check that your fuel source is good to go. An outdoor grill cleaner can help cut through built-up grease so you're ready to host without any fire hazards. Need a new grill? You'll get the best selection now but lower prices in late summer.
Check Off Home Maintenance Projects for a More Carefree Summer
Prepping your home now might not be as exciting as planning your summer getaway, but it’s a great way to make sure you enjoy more downtime later. “Doing maintenance sooner rather than later can save you from a hassle that ruins your plans,” Marino says.
After all, summer is for making memories, not emergency repair calls.