The weather is finally starting to warm up and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to start thinking about summertime maintenance for your home! From deep cleaning the gutters to repairing any appliance issues, now is the perfect time to take care of all those household tasks you’ve been putting off.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of 10 home maintenance tasks to knock out before summer!
1. Clean gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters can cause a whole host of problems, including water damage to your foundation and flooding in your basement. So, it’s important to make sure they’re clean and free of debris before the warmer months roll around.
2. Test drive your air conditioner
After being in hibernation all winter, it’s a good idea to give your air conditioner a test run before the weather really starts heating up. That way, you can catch any potential issues and have them repaired before you really need it.
3. Repair any appliance issues
From your refrigerator to your oven, summer is the perfect time to address any household appliance issues that might have emerged over time. If your appliances are working well, be sure to give them a thorough cleaning – there’s nothing worse than opening up the fridge on a hot day and being hit with a wave of warm air!
4. Inspect (and repair) decks and porches
Summer is all about spending time outdoors, so it’s important that your deck or porch is in tip-top shape before the season begins. Look for any loose boards or nails and make sure the handrails are sturdy and secure.
5. Check (and refill) fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
Summer barbecues are one of the best parts of the season, but they also pose a higher risk for fires. So, before you fire up the grill, be sure you have at least one fire extinguisher on hand (preferably near the grill) and that all your smoke detectors have fresh batteries.
6. Update outdoor lighting
Before everyone starts showing up for impromptu pool parties and late-night bonfires, take some time to walk around your property and check all your outdoor lighting fixtures – are they still working? Do they need new bulbs? Are there any areas that could use extra light for safety purposes?
7. Clean (or replace) pool filters and skimmers
If you have a pool, now is the time to get it ready for swim season! Start by giving it a good scrubbing with a brush and hose (or hire a professional if you’d rather not do it yourself). Then, check the filters and skimmers – are they clean? Do they need to be replaced? Once you’ve taken care of everything, fill ‘er up and enjoy!
8. Fertilize the lawn and garden
Before you start planting those summer flowers, fertilize your lawn and garden beds. This will help them stay healthy and strong all season long!
9. Paint any chipped trim or siding
Giving the exterior of your home a fresh coat of paint is always a good idea – not only does it improve curb appeal, but it also protects your siding from weather damage. If painting sounds like too big of a project (or expense), focus on touching up any chipped or flaking paint instead, as this will still make a world of difference!
10. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance
This one is important but often overlooked. Be sure to schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system! Not only will it extend the life of your unit, but it will also ensure that it’s running as efficiently as possible throughout the summer months (when you really need it).
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Taking care of these 10 home maintenance tasks before summer will help ensure that your home is ready for anything – from impromptu pool parties to heat waves! Plus, completing these tasks now will save you time (and money) down the road. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
