Our 4 Seasons of Homeownership checklists are a great way to stay on top of your home maintenance projects.
The summer list is now available, with help from our friends at The Home Depot, for must-do chores to keep your house clean and comfortable.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast to learn all about our summer projects list!
- [skipto time=0:00][0:00][/skipto]: Welcome to this special Today’s Homeowner Podcast: The 4 Seasons of Home Ownership, Summer Edition
- [skipto time=1:12][1:12][/skipto]: We start with the “Top 10 Must Do’s” #1-Change AC & heating system filters
- [skipto time=2:57][2:57][/skipto]: #2-Flush out AC drain line twice during the summer
- [skipto time=3:46][3:46][/skipto]: #3-Check for loose railings or damage on wood decks. Repair if needed
- [skipto time=4:12][4:12][/skipto]: #4-Inspect fencing & gates for damage. Repair if needed
- [skipto time=5:07][5:07][/skipto]: #5-Thoroughly clean & inspect outdoor grill
- [skipto time=5:37][5:37][/skipto]: #6-Clean all outdoor furniture
- [skipto time=6:23][6:23][/skipto]: #7-Have fireplace chimney professionally inspected & cleaned
- [skipto time=7:07][7:07][/skipto]: #8-Scrape any loose paint from siding & wood trim; prime & paint
- [skipto time=7:57][7:57][/skipto]: #9-Clean all windows – inside & out
- [skipto time=8:37][8:37][/skipto]: #10-Pull all weeds and add mulch to gardens & planting beds
- [skipto time=10:05][10:05][/skipto]: If Time & Budget Allow #1-Clean grills and fan blades on bathroom exhaust fans
- [skipto time=11:13][11:13][/skipto]: IT&BA #2-Inspect for cracks in foundation walls, driveways & sidewalks. Fill cracks with repair caulk
- [skipto time=11:31][11:31][/skipto]: IT&BA #3-Repair cracks in asphalt driveway. Re-coat if needed
- [skipto time=12:02][12:02][/skipto]: IT&BA #4-Clean & deodorize garbage disposal
- [skipto time=12:20][12:20][/skipto]: IT&BA #5-Wash or replace shower curtain
- [skipto time=12:33][12:33][/skipto]: IT&BA #6-Remove all heating registers (grills); thoroughly clean and replace
- [skipto time=13:32][13:32][/skipto]: A Little Something Extra #1-Purge, clean and organize the garage. Schedule a garage sale if needed
- [skipto time=13:53][13:53][/skipto]: ALSE #2-Inspect portable & home stand-by generators. Perform regular maintenance, if necessary
- [skipto time=14:20][14:20][/skipto]: ALSE #3-Paint the front door a bold color or refinish existing stain. Add sealer to protect
- [skipto time=14:40][14:40][/skipto]: ALSE #4-Organize one closet
1. Change AC & Heating System Filters
Regularly changing your HVAC system’s filters is important because a dirty filter will slow down and strain your system. It should take about 2-3 minutes to take out your old filter and put in a new one. Also, once your filter is out, go ahead and vacuum the cavity in case of dust build-up.
2. Flush Out AC Drain Line Twice
Causes of your AC pan overflowing include excess water seeping into your home, resulting in more damage. So, a couple of times this summer, pour a cup of bleach in the AC line. It should cost almost nothing if you have bleach in your house already.
3. Check for Loose Railings or Damage on Wooden Decks
Wiggle your railings and check everything to ensure the structure is stable. If there are any loose areas, use coated deck screws to tighten any loose spots.
4. Inspect Fencing & Gates for Damage
Don’t wait to fix your fence! Check your fence and gates at least once a year to inspect for rotting, damage, and your posts’ sturdiness. Furthermore, be careful if using a string trimmer around your fence because it will eat wood.
5. Clean & Inspect Outdoor Grill
Look closely at the bottom of your grill for water, rust, holes, and any other problems caused by drippings from hot liquid or embers. Clean your grill thoroughly between each use.
6. Clean Outdoor Furniture
Regularly clean your outdoor furniture — especially if it’s wood. Check for any loose parts or rot (if it’s wood). If you have cushions, be sure to wash them. In addition, if your cushions get wet from rain, be sure to hang them out to dry on a sunny day to avoid mold.
7. Have Fireplace Inspected & Cleaned
Have a professional inspect your fireplace and chimney. It will save you time during the winter because this task will have already been tackled before you need to use the chimney and fireplace. Also, there will be plenty of time to repair it if needed.
8. Scrape Loose Paint from Siding & Trim
Check for loose paint on your siding and trim. If repair is needed, scrape the loose paint off, sand if needed, and then prime the surface and paint it. If it’s an older paint, be sure to test it for lead as a precaution.
9. Clean All Windows
With a squeegee and an environmentally-friendly window cleaner, clean your windows inside and outside. Soon, you’ll realize how much brighter it will make your home if you regularly do this.
10. Pull Weeds & Add Mulch to Gardens
Remove weeds before they get out of control. Adding mulch will help prevent weeds from growing, and mulch retains moisture for instance. As a result, the ground doesn’t dry out and keeps your plants healthy.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more home improvement tips!