Summer is a time for fun in the sun, barbecues with friends, and enjoying the great outdoors. But before you dive headfirst into all the summer festivities, it’s important to take some time to prepare your home for the hotter months. With a little planning and preventative maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs down the line and ensure a smooth sailing season.

This ultimate summer home maintenance checklist will guide you through essential tasks for both the interior and exterior of your home, ensuring it’s ready to handle the summer heat.

Exterior Maintenance

  • Gutter Cleaning: Clogged gutters can lead to a number of problems, including foundation issues, basement flooding, and roof damage. Make sure your gutters are free of debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt. You can clean them yourself or hire a professional service.
  • Prepare for Summer Storms: Summer can bring unpredictable weather, including thunderstorms and heavy rain. Trim tree branches that hang over your house to prevent damage from falling limbs during storms. Keep a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit readily available in case of a power outage.
  • Grading Check: The grading around your home should slope away from the foundation to direct water runoff. Check the grading for any low spots or areas where water may pool. Address any unevenness to prevent foundation or roof problems.
  • Outdoor A/C System: Ensure that there is no lawn equipment or debris blocking the unit and be sure to also check the inside coils for any buildup of dirt and dustDo not use a power washer to clean the unit as it can damage parts. 
  • Landscaping: Summer heat can take a toll on your landscaping. Adjust your watering schedule to meet the needs of your plants during the hotter months. Regularly trim bushes and trees to keep them healthy and prevent them from blocking vents or windows.
  • Deck and Patio Maintenance: Inspect your deck or patio for any loose boards, splinters, or rotting wood. Make any necessary repairs and reseal the deck or patio if needed. Clean your patio furniture and remove any built-up dirt and debris.

Interior Maintenance

  • Indoor A/C System: A well-maintained air conditioning system is crucial for keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer. Schedule a professional tune-up for your AC unit to ensure it’s operating efficiently. Change your air filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans help circulate cool air and improve the efficiency of your AC unit. Ensure your ceiling fans are working properly and reverse the direction of the blades counter-clockwise during the summer. This will create a downdraft that will make the space feel cooler. Slightly older ceiling fans likely have a simple switch on the fan near the base of the pull strings that allows you to change the direction. The direction on newer and/or smart fans might be able to be controlled by a remote or your smartphone.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. These life-saving devices are essential for your family’s safety.
  • Indoor Plumbing: Check your washing machine hoses, dishwasher hoses, and under sinks for any signs of leaks or cracks. Tighten any loose connections and replace worn-out hoses.
  • Refrigerator Maintenance: Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator to improve its efficiency and prevent fires. Wipe down the door gaskets of your fridge and freezer to ensure a proper seal. 
  • Summer Cleaning: Summer is a great time for a deep cleaning of your home. Wash windows and screens to allow for better ventilation and natural light. Wipe down baseboards, door frames, and other areas of your home that are not cleaned as often. 

By following this summer home maintenance checklist, you can make sure your home is ready to take on the hot season. A little preventative maintenance now can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run, allowing you to focus on enjoying all that summer has to offer. Remember, a well-maintained home is a safe, comfortable, and happy home.

Call B&D Industries for All of Your Home Maintenance Needs

B&D Industries, Inc. has been servicing residential, commercial, and industrial properties with specialized expertise for over 69 years. During that time, we’ve grown exponentially and now reach areas of New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, and New York. Our quality of services and exceptional customer experience set us apart from our competitors as we strive to change the industry one project and one relationship at a time.

When you call B&D Industries, Inc. you can rest assured knowing that your home’s HVAC appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems are in good hands. Our licensed technicians are dedicated to working with you to ensure your home is up-to-code and functioning properly.