Summer Home Maintenance Tasks

Neglect is the home’s worst enemy. Regular maintenance is the key to extending the life expectancy of your home’s major system and components and preventing costly repairs. Here is your summer home maintenance checklist to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Juan Jimenez
July 15th, 2021
Home Maintenance

Air Conditioner Summer Maintenance

Your cooling system will take a beating during the hot summer months. The best way to keep it in tip-top shape is to call a professional HVAC technician. They generally offer HVAC system tune-ups. You can do some things yourself, but a pro is the way to go.
- Don’t call the companies offering ridiculously cheap tune-ups ($29). They generally just want to get in the door and are pressured to sell your repairs to make up the cost.
- We recommend Chadwick Air for all your HVAC needs.
Change your filter. Not only do filters improve indoor air quality, but they also prevent significant problems with your system, which could require replacement. Check our guide on how to pick the best filter.
Clean the condensing unit coils. This is the “big box thing” outside that people generally call ‘the ac unit.” You can pick up a can, or two, of coil cleaner from any Lowe’s or Home Depot. Always read the directions, but generally, you just spray, wait, and rinse off.
This is also the perfect time to clear away vegetation near your condensing unit. It needs the air space around it to function correctly.

Bonus Tips!

If your AC quits, try this before calling an HVAC contractor.

Here’s what to do if there is ice on your AC.

Crawl Space Summer Maintenance

Your crawl space can be a host for some of the most expensive repairs. Several issues only present themselves in the summer. No summer home maintenance checklist would be complete without tackling crawlspace issues.

Look for termites, standing water, plumbing leaks, mold and water damage, condensation, and foundation cracks.
- If you do find any water, mold, or condensation, do not install a dehumidifier without reading this article first.
- A pinhole leak can be difficult to find. Look closely on the ground for drips, and make sure you spend some time being quiet and still. Sometimes, you’ll hear the leak.
Make sure the vapor barrier is in good shape and covers all the soil. Exposed soil can exacerbate moisture and mold problems. You can buy more poly and staples at any local hardware store.
Close your crawl space vents.
Make sure the insulation is in good condition. Often mice rip through it, or condensation weighs it down. It is easy to replace, but make sure you seal any pest entry points first.
- I am not a pest guy, so you will definitely want to a consult pest control specialist if you have significant insulation damage from pests
If you have central air ducts down there, a bathroom exhaust duct, or a dryer vent this is a great time to check for small holes, or damage. This is easy if you have the systems running. You will feel the cool air of the ducts.

Maintain the Exterior of Your Home

Summer exterior maintenance is focused on keeping that hot air outside, ensuring your deck is safe and protecting your home from summer storms.

Check the air seals around the front door, and garage door. Damaged, or insufficient seals allow warm air inside your home. You want to keep as much summer heat outside as possible. Replace seals as needed.
Inspect your window frames for old cracking caulk, and damaged seals. These are massive energy loss spots. Plus deficient caulk can allow water to leak into the wall. Use only 100 percent silicone caulk outdoors and always remove the old caulk first.
Remove your garden hose and check for faucet leaks.
Walk the perimeter of the home and look for any exterior paint that is peeling. Paint protects the wood, or metal from moisture and UV damage.
Inspect your deck for any safety issues especially if you use it a lot.
Summer storms dump a lot of water on our homes. Check your gutters and repair any sagging or damaged gutters. If they are dirty, clean them.
During, or after at least one rain, check for these issues that can generally only be seen when its raining.

Bonus Summer Home Maintenance Tips:

It’s not a good idea to do anything in the attic. The high temperatures in the attic have killed people. We cover some attic stuff in the winter 🙂
Do your maintenance in the morning before temperatures rise. Alternatively you can knock these all out in the beginning of the season, but if you’re anything like you me, you’ll procrastinate and wait until summer is in full swing.
Install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can help lower your energy bill.
If you have one, I don’t much about your swimming pool, but you should perform as many functional checks as possible. If your inclined, just give me a phone call, and I will make sure its clean and refreshing.
If you have a home warranty, call them for any repairs first. They generally won’t handle maintenance, but may pay for certain bonafide repairs.