Today’s Homeowner’s 4 Seasons of Home Ownership is a curated collection of how-to videos, articles, and tips to keep your home running smoothly throughout the year. This summer checklist focuses mainly on the house’s exterior, paying close attention to the siding and trim, fencing and gates, outdoor furniture and grill, driveway, and sidewalks.

See how we helped a family take on the summer checklist in the 4 Seasons of Home Ownership: Summer episode of Today’s Homeowner With Danny Lipford, and check out Simple Steps to Summer Prep for more information.


Summer Checklist

The summer home maintenance checklist contains exterior tasks, home inspections, and cleaning projects to get your house in tip-top shape for the season ahead.

Given our years of experience and know-how in helping new homeowners improve their homes, we recommend tackling these top 10 essentials first.

  1. Change AC and heating system air filters regularly during the summer months. A dirty filter reduces airflow and makes your system work harder, wasting energy. Check filters at least once a month. Some high-efficiency filters may need changing more frequently, such as every couple of weeks, so consult your owner’s manual to clean accordingly.
  2. Flush out the AC drain line with bleach twice during the summer to prevent algae and mold growth. Clogged drain lines can cause water damage, so pour 1 cup of bleach down the line, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then flush with water to clean. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection while cleaning.
  3. Inspect wood decks for loose railings, damaged boards, splintered areas, or decay. Make any needed structural repairs immediately, and be sure to sand and seal the deck annually to protect the wood and prevent further deterioration. Use an oil-based sealer for the best protection when coating your deck.
  4. Walk the perimeter of your yard to check for loose fencing, leaning posts, or damaged pickets. Repairing a fence section when damage first appears can help prevent more costly repairs later, and using galvanized screws and hardware can give your fence the longest possible life span. Prime bare wood before painting for the best results.
  5. At the start of summer, clean all outdoor furniture using a multi-surface cleaner and a soft scrub brush to remove dirt, mildew stains, and bird droppings. For stubborn stains, use an oxygen bleach cleaner. Rinse well and let furniture fully dry before applying a UV-protectant exterior sealant.
  6. Give your outdoor grill a deep clean and inspection before grilling season starts. Remove the grates and burners and scrub away grease and food debris. Check for cracked parts or holes in the burner tubes. Replace components as needed, so your grill heats your food safely and evenly.
  7. Have your fireplace and chimney professionally inspected at least once a year. Creosote buildup caused by burning wood in the fireplace is highly flammable, so have your chimney cleaned as needed to prevent dangerous chimney fires. A certified chimney sweep uses specialized tools to clean and remove built-up creosote and other fire hazards, so hiring a professional is safer than any DIY or handyman approach.
  8. Inspect the exterior siding and trim for peeling, cracked, blistered, or bare paint. Use a pressure washer with a wide-angle tip to remove loose paint and dirt from the siding. Scrape off any remaining loose paint, sand rough areas, and spot prime. Then, repaint using high-quality exterior primer and paint formulated for your specific siding type. Proper preparation prevents peeling, so be thorough when removing the old paint.
  9. Clean your windows on the inside and outside at least twice per year. Use a cleaner formulated for glass to avoid streaking. For outside windows, use an extension pole to safely reach higher windows. Rinse thoroughly with clean water using a hose sprayer. Ensure window seals are intact to prevent leaks, and replace any cracked seals before cleaning.
  10. Pull all weeds from garden beds, tree rings, and lawns by hand or use an organic herbicide. Apply fresh mulch two to three inches deep to suppress new weed growth. Mulch also retains moisture and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down, so be sure to replenish mulch annually or as needed.

If you have the time and budget for additional home repair and  improvements this summer, consider these projects, too:

  • Clean grilles and fan blades on bathroom exhaust fans to improve airflow. Use a small vacuum crevice tool to remove most of the dust buildup before wiping it down with a damp cloth.
  • Inspect concrete walls, driveways, and sidewalks for cracks or damage. Fill small cracks with concrete repair caulk to prevent further deterioration. For larger cracks or pits, use a concrete patch mix to resurface.
  • Sealcoat an asphalt driveway every two or three years to extend its life span. First, check for cracks or depressions and repair using an asphalt filler. Then, apply a new layer of asphalt sealer using a long-handled sealer sprayer or squeegee system. Let cure for 48 to 72 hours before driving on it.
  • Run a deodorizing cleaner through the garbage disposal to freshen it up. Grind a cut lemon peel afterward to help remove odors. Be sure not to grind eggshells, which can stick to the blades.
  • Replace plastic shower curtains regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth, or install a removable cloth shower curtain liner that can be easily machine-washed frequently. Use an anti-mold shower curtain spray to avoid soap scum buildup.
  • Use a powerful handheld vacuum to thoroughly clean all heating and cooling vents. Remove dust and pet hair buildup that can impede proper airflow. Take note if any ductwork connections have come loose and must be repaired by an HVAC system professional.
  • Perform routine maintenance checks of your home’s gutters, water heater, thermostat, smoke detectors, circuit breaker, water shutoff, and faucets to ensure everything is working correctly. 
  • Freshen up any landscaping projects while the weather is warm, and get your lawn mower ready for Autumn leaves by stocking up on fuel and replacing mower blades if needed. You can also replace your home’s windows and lights with newer, more energy-efficient models to cut down on utility bills during colder months.
  • Tackle garage organization by first removing everything and only keeping the essentials. Sell unneeded tools or sports equipment online or at a garage sale. Donate household goods and clothing to charity. Haul trash and recycling to the dump. Install shelving, racks, bins, and cabinets to create an efficient storage system. Paint walls and floors before returning the items to freshen up the space.
  • Thoroughly inspect portable and home standby generators. Change the oil, filters, and spark plugs as the manufacturer recommends. Check the engine oil levels, test run the generator under load monthly, and perform periodic maintenance so it’s ready to power your home during an outage.
  • Upgrade your front door with a fresh coat of paint or a new stain to improve its appearance while protecting the entry door from sun, rain, and wind. Lightly sand the surface, wipe clean, and apply two coats of high-quality exterior enamel paint or penetrating stain and sealer.

Organize one closet by first purging unwanted items. Then, maximize the space by installing closet organizers such as storage cubes, drawer organizers, shelves, or clothing rods. Use and label clear bins to neatly store off-season clothing or linens. Getting organized reduces closet clutter and makes getting ready quicker, so make sure to choose an efficient organization system.


So, Is Summer the Best Time for Home Improvements?

Summer’s warm weather provides the ideal opportunity to tackle exterior home improvement projects like painting, deck renovations, and driveway repairs since the materials cure more effectively in dry conditions. The extended daylight hours also allow more time to complete outdoor DIY tasks. Just be sure to take breaks and stay hydrated when working in high heat. Prepare your home for the colder months by checking off your summer home maintenance checklist. Proper seasonal care protects your investments and prevents costly issues in the future. With some diligent preparation now, you can relax knowing your home is in top shape when temperatures cool and the seasons change.


FAQs About Summer Home Maintenance

What outdoor maintenance should I do first?

Focus on tasks like power-washing siding, making fence repairs, painting, and filling driveway cracks early in the summer before temperatures peak. Also, be sure to thoroughly clean the exterior of windows and screens after pollen build-up.


How can I reduce indoor moisture in summer?

One of the best ways to reduce moisture is to run air conditioning system fans to circulate drier air throughout your home. Be sure to ventilate kitchens and bathrooms during and after cooking or showering. You can also use dehumidifiers to control excess moisture levels in your home.


What’s the best way to clean patio furniture?

For a deep clean, use a pressure washer. For plastic pieces, scrub with warm, soapy water and non-abrasive brushes. Allow the furniture to fully air dry before placing the cushions back.


Should I mulch around trees and plants in summer?

Yes. Mulch insulates soil, prevents weeds, and retains moisture during hot, dry weather. Organic mulches, like wood chips, naturally improve soil as they decompose, so they’re great for nourishing gardens.


When should I have my chimney swept?

Creosote buildup poses a dangerous fire hazard, so chimneys should be professionally inspected and swept at least once annually, ideally before heavier use in winter.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Mitchell Layton

Mitchell Layton

Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

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photo of Sabrina Lopez

Sabrina Lopez

Editor

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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