Summer is the season of long days, warm nights, and, if you’re a homeowner, plenty of chores to keep your house running smoothly. It’s tempting to kick back and relax, but summer is actually the perfect time to tackle those complex maintenance projects that protect your home and keep things comfortable.
We’ve put together a short list of four essential summer house jobs you should prioritize before the season slips away and the rain comes back.
1. Get the HVAC serviced.
When the temperatures rise, your HVAC system works harder to keep your home cool. If it hasn’t been inspected recently, now’s the time to schedule that tune up. Regular maintenance not only improves energy efficiency or lowers your utility bill, but also helps to catch any issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Changing air filters, cleaning the vents, and ensuring that your thermostat is working properly is important, and if your system is older, a professional could advise whether it’s time for the upgrade. Staying ahead of HVAC problems in the summer prevents those inconvenient breakdowns, too, especially during heat waves. This is when those repair services are in much higher demand.
2. Check your windows and doors for leaks.
We don’t mean water leaks, but leaky windows and doors allow the cool air to escape and hot air to seep in, which puts unnecessary strain on your cooling system. Walk around the house and inspect the caulking seals and weather stripping so that you know what to replace or repair. It’s a simple DIY job to do it, and it improves your home’s efficiency immensely.
Beyond temperature control, seating the gaps also keeps the pests out. And in the summer, when the insects are more active, this is when it’s most important.
3. Clean out the gutters and downspouts.
It may seem like a fall task, but cleaning gutters in the summer is a very smart move, especially when the weather is dry. If you had storms or heavy spring pollen, those clogged up gutters can lead to water damage when summer rains hit. That affects your siding, foundation and landscaping, and it can be avoided.
Making sure that the downspouts are draining water away from your home is also important, and redirecting water flow will prevent erosion and protect your basement or crawlspace from moisture buildup.
4. Inspect the roof and attic.
Summer heat waves can be brutal on the roof and attic because shingles can curl or crack, and poorly ventilated attics then cause energy inefficiencies or mold growth. It’s a good idea to do a visual inspection, either from the ground or with the ladder if it’s safe.
Taking care of these house jobs now earlier in the season can save you from the bigger headaches down the line. A little bit of effort now for a lot of help being given to you later on and you would be thanking yourself for putting the effort in.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
