Summer Home Maintenance Checklist: A Homeowner's Guide

When you’re basking in the warmth of a lazy summer afternoon, the idea of home maintenance may not seem so alluring. But summer home maintenance is an important part of homeownership. Fortunately, our summer home maintenance checklist includes a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks to help keep your home in great shape during the year’s hottest months. Your bonus: Along the way, you may come across problem areas that you can fix now, before they turn into larger, more expensive issues down the road.

Once you’ve completed the checklist, it’s time to enjoy everything summer has to offer — relax by the pool, fire up the backyard barbecue, or try some of the summer-ready activities and ideas at the end of this article.

Exterior Summer Home Maintenance Tips

• Inspect decks and wooden structures such as sheds and fences for rot or mold; make repairs as needed
• Check eaves under the roof, chimneys, and caps, and remove insect nests; fix any damaged areas
• Examine porches and decks for cracks and splits; refinish surfaces as needed
• Clear gutter debris left behind by springtime rains
• Inspect exterior areas near the foundation for water damage and pooling water
• Check exterior paint for peeling and chipping; touch up as needed
• Spruce up your outdoor furniture
• Clean outdoor grill grates and fill propane tanks
• Seal cracks in your driveway, walkways, and patios
• Apply fresh mulch to areas in your yard that need more

• Check irrigation drip lines for leaks; replace valves as needed
• Service lawn equipment, trimmers, and other yard tools
• Check your sprinkler system for clogged lines and replace leaky valves
• Inspect exterior lighting; repair or replace damaged fixtures
• Prune shrubs away from your outdoor air conditioner unit

Interior Summer Home Maintenance Tips

• Bring out summer clothes and put away winter outfits
• Check for leaks around faucets and sinks
• Wash and store any flannel sheet sets and blankets
• Check for signs of pest infestations
• Monitor interior humidity levels and adjust as needed
• Inspect plumbing and check for leaks around toilets
• Check for leaky showerheads and leaks in tubs
• Swap out heavy curtains for lightweight versions to let in sunshine

• Check the condition of your range hood fan and clean the hood filters
• Complete routine washer maintenance and check water hoses
• Clean the dryer vent
• Check for mold in your washing machine
• Dust and wash window sills
• Change the direction of ceiling fans, dust the blades
• Replace HVAC filters
• Clean your refrigerator and freezer coils
• Seal (or reseal) tile grout
• Wipe down kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, and sinks; recaulk as needed
• Give kitchen appliances a deep cleaning

Make Time for Summer Fun

Tackling your summer home maintenance checklist may not be your idea of summer fun, but once you’ve completed your to-dos, you’re free to enjoy summer’s playground. Need some ideas to jumpstart your day? Read on for some inspiration:

• Host a barbecue dinner party
• Make homemade ice cream
• Go tubing down a gentle river
• Nap in a hammock
• Run through the sprinklers
• Relax under a tree with a good book
• Set up a tent in your backyard for an easy camping night
• Enjoy a quiet fishing day
• Hike or bike to a favorite picnic spot
• Attend an outdoor concert or festival
• Go kayaking or paddleboarding

How a Home Warranty Helps You Enjoy Summer

Add to your summer comfort and peace of mind with home warranty coverage that protects the vital systems you rely on during the season. Our plans can include coverage for HVAC systems, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, cooktops, electrical and plumbing systems, and much more. Coverage options and upgrades are also available for pool/spa equipment, luxury appliances, and other home features.

Learn more about our comprehensive coverage and benefits, and get a free quote today.

Home Maintenance FAQs for Summer

When is the best time to start summer home maintenance?

Ideally, plan to tackle your summer home maintenance checklist at the start of summer, before temperatures peak and outdoor systems such as air conditioners experience heavy use. Getting ahead of seasonal wear and tear can help you avoid bigger issues later.

What kinds of summer home maintenance should new homeowners do?

Summer home maintenance for new homeowners includes routine upkeep and seasonal care that helps keep their newly purchased homes safe, efficient, and in good condition during the hottest months of the year. It typically involves inspecting and maintaining key areas of your home to help prevent damage, improve efficiency, and keep everything running smoothly throughout the season.

What are the most important summer home maintenance tasks?

It depends on the condition of your home, but generally, the most important summer home maintenance tasks include servicing your HVAC system, checking for water damage, cleaning gutters, inspecting your irrigation system, examining your roof, and maintaining landscaping. Staying on top of these tasks can help prevent costly repairs while keeping your home safe and comfortable.

Does this summer home maintenance checklist cover everything?

Our summer home maintenance tips cover many essential seasonal tasks, though they may not include every item specific to your home. Use this as a helpful guide to stay on top of routine upkeep and catch potential issues early so you can avoid bigger issues or worse, having to follow end-of-summer home maintenance tips, when the heat can be unbearable.

If you just couldn’t get to everything this summer, however, we’ve got you covered with more resources to help you all year long:

Year-Round Home Maintenance Resources

Stay on top of home maintenance year-round with these seasonal HomeCareBuzz checklists:

• Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: A Homeowner's Guide
• Winter Home Maintenance Checklist: A Homeowner's Guide
• Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: A Homeowner's Guide
• The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist: Your Seasonal Guide

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.