Summer’s here—and while it’s great for BBQs and backyard hangouts, it’s also a key time to stay ahead of costly home repairs. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or just trying to stay on top of the maintenance schedule, this summer home maintenance checklist will help you tackle the most important tasks to keep your home in shape.

Each task below walks you through why it’s important, what to do, and how to do it—even if you’ve never done it before.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Why: Clogged gutters can lead to roof damage, water leaks, and foundation issues. Summer storms and leftover spring debris make this a must-do.

What to do:

1. Set up a stable ladder and wear gloves.
   
2. Scoop out debris with a small plastic scoop or your hands.
   
3. Flush gutters with a hose to check for clogs.
   
4. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 3–4 feet from the foundation.
   

Pro Tip: If you notice water spilling over the sides when it rains, your gutters are either clogged or pitched incorrectly.

Climate Note: In the South or Midwest where summer storms are frequent, check gutters monthly.

2. Check for Exterior Paint Damage or Wood Rot

Why: Damaged paint and soft wood invite moisture—and that means mold, pests, and structural problems.

What to do:

1. Walk around your house and look for peeling paint, exposed wood, or soft spots.
   
2. Use a screwdriver to gently press questionable areas—soft wood means rot.
   
3. Sand small areas and repaint with exterior paint.
   
4. For minor rot, apply wood hardener and filler. Replace boards for severe damage.
   

First-Time Tip: If you don’t know your home’s last paint job, assume exterior touch-ups are due every 5–7 years.

3. Service Your HVAC System

Why: You don’t want your A/C dying in a heatwave—and a neglected system runs inefficiently and costs more.

What to do:

1. Change the air filter (most homes need this every 1–3 months).
   
2. Hose off the outdoor unit to remove dirt and leaves.
   
3. Trim plants at least 2 feet away from the unit.
   
4. Consider a professional tune-up if it’s been over a year.
   

Climate Note: In hot and humid zones, air filters may clog faster. Check them monthly.
Also, clean the AC drain line to prevent build-up and your A/C unit shutting off during the hot temps.

4. Check Windows and Doors for Air Leaks

Why: Summer A/C escapes through gaps, raising your energy bill and stressing your HVAC system.

What to do:

1. Feel for drafts around doors and windows.
   
2. Re-caulk any gaps around the frame.
   
3. Replace worn or cracked weatherstripping.
   

First-Time Tip: Use a stick of incense or a lighter near closed windows—if the smoke or flame moves, you’ve got a leak.

5. Power Wash Your Siding, Driveway, and Deck

Why: Built-up grime and mold can stain surfaces and lead to decay over time.

What to do:

1. Rent or borrow a power washer (a light-duty electric one works for most homes).
   
2. Start with siding using the widest spray angle.
   
3. Move to the driveway and deck, keeping a steady pace to avoid streaks.
   
4. Use detergent made for each surface if needed.
   

Safety Tip: Avoid spraying windows or door seals—too much pressure can break seals or cause leaks.

6. Inspect Your Roof from the Ground

Why: A few missing shingles can turn into a major roof leak after a summer storm.

What to do:

1. Walk around your home with binoculars.
   
2. Look for missing or curled shingles, dark patches, or signs of sagging.
   
3. Use a drone if you have one—or hire an inspector if you suspect deeper issues.
   

First-Time Tip: Don’t climb the roof yourself unless you know what you’re doing.

7. Trim Trees and Shrubs Away from Your House

Why: Overhanging branches can damage siding, invite pests, and drop leaves into your gutters.

What to do:

1. Trim limbs back 3–5 feet from your home and roof.
   
2. Remove dead or damaged limbs that could fall.
   
3. Rake up trimmed debris and compost it or bag it.
   

Climate Note: In fire-prone areas (like the West), this also helps create defensible space.

8. Flush the Water Heater

Why: Sediment build-up reduces efficiency and shortens the life of your water heater.

What to do:

1. Turn off the heater (gas or electric).
   
2. Attach a hose to the drain valve and run it to a safe outdoor spot.
   
3. Open the valve and let a few gallons drain out. Many homes have the 40-60 gallon tank, so draining 5-10 gallons should suffice to remove the sediment. Generally, you don’t need to drain the whole tank, but if the water isn’t clear after the initial 5-10 gallons, you may want to continue until it clears.
   
4. Close the valve, remove the hose, and turn the heater back on.
   

First-Time Tip: Do this once a year—summer’s a great time because you won’t miss the hot water for an hour or so.

9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Why: Batteries die, and summer heat can speed up failure.

What to do:

1. Press the test button on each detector.
   
2. Replace batteries if the alarm doesn’t sound (or it’s been 6+ months).
   
3. Replace the entire unit if it’s over 10 years old.
   
   

10. Clean Ceiling Fans and Reverse Direction

Why: Dirty fan blades spread dust, and correct airflow can help keep rooms cooler.

What to do:

1. Turn off the fan and clean blades with a microfiber cloth or vacuum.
   
2. Use a step stool or ladder if needed—be safe!
   
3. Flip the direction switch so blades spin counterclockwise for summer.

Cleaning Hack: Use a pillowcase and slide it over each fan blade (after turning the fan off, of course!). As you slide it off of the blade, use your hands to wipe the dust off the top and bottom of the blade, into the pillow case. This will help keep the dust from just flying into the air and falling onto whatever is below it. Do this for each blade. Once complete, turn the pillowcase inside out into a trash can. Doing this outside will help prevent some of the dust going back into the air in the house

Final Thought: A Little Work Now Saves a Lot Later

Tackling these summer home maintenance tasks can feel like a lot—but doing them now can help you avoid big-ticket repairs later. If you’re a first-time homeowner, start with the easiest items and build confidence from there. Keep this checklist handy and revisit it each summer.Want more DIY-friendly tips for every season? Stick with Fix It First DIY—we’ve got your back, one task at a time.