Summer Home Maintenance To-Do List

Summer time is here! Kids are on break from school and as the weather is getting warmer, you’ll start planning your vacation. It may not be as fun as relaxing in the hammock on the beach, but summer is a great time to get some house maintenance done. So before you head off on vacation, take a little time to get some home maintenance tasks checked off of your to-do list. 

Check your air conditioner filter. You should be replacing your filter every 1-3 months in order to allow your unit to run more efficiently. Replacing your filter also helps keep the air circulating in your home clean. Your filter may need to be changed out more frequently in summer months as your unit is working harder to keep your home cool and to keep your air clear of summer allergens. If you suffer from allergies, this is a great time to upgrade to a high-performance allergen air filter.

Trim up any shrubbery around your AC unit. Air conditioning units need plenty of air circulation to work effectively, so it is very important to keep shrubs trimmed away from unit.

Replace water filters in any/all of your water filtration systems or ice makers. This should usually be done about every six months. Changing your filters regularly will keep mold and mildew from growing in the filter and will keep your water clean, fresh, and tasty.

Clean the grill. It is grilling season, after all. Give the grates a good scrub and use a wire brush to clean off burners and burner covers. Also, be sure to check for any repairs that need to be done before your first cookout.

Check sealant on windows and doors. Any gaps will allow your cool air to escape as well as being an entry point for all things creepy and crawly. Use this opportunity to also do some bug prevention of your preferred method.

Patch and repair cracks and damage in driveway. You can use concrete repair caulk or asphalt crack sealer to repair minor cracks in concrete or asphalt driveways. Once cracks and holes are filled and set, give your driveway a good pressure wash to get it looking its best.

Watch for mold and mildew. Summer heat and humidity can cause the growth of mold and mildew on the exterior of your home. Scrubbing it with a diluted bleach solution should be enough to get rid of it.

Clean your ceiling fans. Now that the weather is warming up, your fans will be working overtime. Give them a good cleaning to remove dust and keep it from circulating around the room.

Of course, there are always many more things you can do to get your home summer ready, but this list should help you get started. Happy home maintenance!