Before heading off to the beach, or theme park for your summer vacation, it is best to complete your summer home maintenance tasks off your to-do list. Keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks will save you money and time. Below you will find a checklist of items you should take care of over the summer. While the list is long, completing it over the summer will keep your home happy for years to come.

Interior

Appliances
• Check your oven door for a tight seal.
• Feel for any broken, torn, or deformed areas, and close the door to see if you can find any leaks.
• Clean or replace dirty range hood or downdraft vent filters.
• Clean the coils in your refrigerator.
• Keep you water clean by replacing disposable water filters on your water filtration system and/or icemaker as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Clean and deodorize your garbage disposal.
• Inspect washing machine hoses.
• Clean your dryer exhaust.
• Ensure your ice maker is working properly.

Attic
• Search for insects or animals which have inhabited your attic.
• Search for mold, which can manifest in gray or black blotches.
• Check that vents and fans are working properly to ensure ventilation.
• Check insulation rating to ensure optimal energy efficiency.

Basement
• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the basin.
• Seal cracks in concrete floors, walls or window caulking.
• Ensure basement vents are free from debris or clutter.

Exterior

Exterior Inspection
• Walk around and expect your bricks and foundation for cracks or leaks.
• Take note of loose or rotted siding.
• While walking around it is best to check for an infestation of bugs such as ants, bees, termites or wasps.
• Reseal the driveway to keep water out.
• Check the deck for popped nails or loose boards. Fix where necessary.

Clean Your Exterior
• Your deck, siding, and gutters all need regular cleaning.
• While cleaning take note of anything that is damaged or needs to be replaced.

Maintain Your Garage
• Consider installing insulated garage doors.
• Remove clutter and dispose of hazardous materials.
• Keep fertilizer and power tools out of children’s reach and behind lock and key.
• Don’t store heat sensitive or combustible materials in a non-climate controlled garage.

Prepare Your Grill
• Get ready for summer barbecues by cleaning and repairing the gas grill.
• Scrub the grates with liquid grill cleaner, and clean the burners and burner covers with a wire brush.
• You can also use vinegar and aluminum foil to clean a grill. Use a toothpick to clean the holes on the burners to ensure even cooking.

HVAC
• Keep the air in your home clean by replacing the air filter on your air conditioner every 1-3 months.
• Keep your a/c unit free of shrubs and plants to ensure proper airflow.
• To prevent water from backing up in your home, it’s important in the summer to clean the AC drain line regularly with bleach.
• If the drain does become clogged, use a wet/dry shop vac to remove the clog, then pour a cup of bleach down the access pipe to kill anything else that might be growing in there.
• Clean ceiling fans and ensure they operate at all speeds.
• Clean vents and ducts from obstructions and debris.
• Consider having a professional duct cleaning.

Windows and Doors
• Wash your windows and window screen so the light can shine in your house.
• Ensure windows and doors are properly caulked.
• Clean and lubricate window channels and door hinges to ensure smooth function.