Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Interior Cleaning and Maintenance

-Do a test of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if needed.

-Get your cooling system ready for the heat. The last thing you want is your central A/C dying in the middle of July, right? Check and make sure your air-conditioning system is working properly before summer hits. Consider getting your air-conditioning system serviced professionally service, since proper air conditioner maintenance can help your AC last longer. Also, change the air filters, clean your vents, and clear the area around the unit of grass clippings, leaves, or shrubbery.

-Inspect the caulking around the windows and doors of your home. This can help with insects as well as the energy efficiency of your home.

-Dust the ceiling fan blades. Did you know that your ceiling fan is designed to rotate in different directions depending on the season? In summer you should make sure your fans are running counter-clockwise to cool and create a breeze, while in winter it should rotate clockwise to distribute the heat that has risen properly.

-Clean the baseboards of your home. Use a damp cloth and wipe away all the dust that has built up.

-Clean the vents of your bathroom fans.

-Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct. Clean out all of the dust and lint trapped in the vent and exhaust duct. Consider calling in a professional to clean and service your washer and dryer if needed. Clothes dryers can be a fire hazard if they’re not cleaned and maintained properly.

Exterior Cleaning and Maintenance

-Clean your grill to prepare for summer barbequing. For charcoal grills empty the grill, wipe away any dust or residue, then use hot water, dish soap, and a scrub brush or sponge to clean both the outside and inside of the grill, and rinse with water. Be sure to let your grill dry off before using it next. For gas grills close the lid, turn the heat up high, and let the grill cook for about thirty minutes, then turn off and let the grill cool. After it has cooled, use a grill brush to sweep the grill, wipe down the outside with a soft sponge and gentle cleaner, then clean the drip tray.

-Check your deck to see if there are any boards that need to be replaced and hammer any nails that are popping up. Check if your deck needs to be resealed by pouring a little water on it. If the water beads up, you’re good. If it soaks into the wood, you should get your deck resealed.

-Plan your watering schedule. Train your garden to endure dry days by watering deeply a couple times a week, instead of watering lightly daily. This style of watering will promote the growth of deep, strong roots.

-Add a layer of mulch. If you have plants, the extra mulch will help fight off weeds and help your soil retain moisture during hot summer months.

-Wash the windows or have them cleaned professionally. When doing this, also make sure that you wash all of your window screens and replace or repair any screens that are damaged.

-Touch up the paint on the outside of your home.

-Check your fence. Have it repainted, resealed, or repaired as needed.

-Consider getting your roof inspected. It’s important to properly maintain your roof to make sure that it can last as long as possible.

-Clean out the gutters and downspouts. You should clean the gutters at least once a year, perhaps twice if you have a lot of trees around your home.

This is just a small list of things that you can do to maintain your home, which will help it retain its value and will also keep you more comfortable as long as you are living there.