Summer home maintenance checklist: the warm-weather jobs that matter

Summer is the season for the big outdoor jobs. The weather is dry, the days are long, and the projects that are miserable in the cold are easy now. It is the right time to paint, seal, repair, and tackle the things on the outside of the house that you will be glad you did before fall.

Here is the summer home maintenance checklist, grouped by area. Skip anything that does not apply to your home.

Exterior and paint

Dry, warm weather is exactly what exterior work needs to cure properly.

Inspect siding and trim, and scrape, prime, and repaint any bare or peeling spots.
Reseal or restain the deck and fence while the wood is dry.
Touch up caulk around windows, doors, and any exterior penetrations.
Pressure wash siding, walkways, and the driveway to clear mildew and grime.

Decks, patios, and outdoor structures

Check the deck for loose boards, popped nails, and any soft, rotting wood.
Tighten railings and steps, the parts that matter most for safety.
Inspect fences and gates and fix sagging hinges before they get worse.

Pests and moisture

Summer is when insects and moisture problems show themselves.

Look for wasp and hornet nests under eaves, decks, and in sheds.
Check the basement or crawl space for damp spots, musty smells, and signs of mold.
Make sure the dehumidifier and any crawl-space vents are doing their job.
Seal gaps and cracks where ants and other pests are getting in.

Keep cooling efficient

Your air conditioner is working its hardest now, so help it.

Check the HVAC filter monthly through the cooling season and change it when gray.
Keep the outdoor condenser clear of grass clippings, leaves, and debris.
Make sure supply and return vents inside are open and not blocked by furniture.

Plumbing and the water heater

Flush the water heater to clear sediment that builds up and wastes energy. Here is how often to flush a water heater.
Check the washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks, a common cause of floods.
Inspect outdoor spigots and the irrigation system for leaks.

Windows, screens, and doors

Clean window screens and repair any tears before they let bugs in.
Check weather stripping, which keeps the cool air in and your bill down.
Lubricate sliding doors and window tracks.

The short version

If you only do four things this summer, do these: reseal the deck, repaint any bare exterior wood, flush the water heater, and keep the condenser clear. They protect the parts of your home that the sun and heat punish most.

Let it run itself

The hardest part of summer upkeep is simply remembering the outdoor jobs while you are busy enjoying the season. HomeAlmanac keeps the list for you, reminds you while the weather still cooperates, and stores the warranties and receipts for everything you repair, right on your phone.

Do the outdoor work now, in the good weather, and fall will ask far less of you.