Summer arrives each year in a rush of warm breezes and anticipation. The kids get out of school, vacation plans start buzzing, and the daylight stretches out, begging us to linger outdoors after being cooped up inside for so long. Our thoughts turn to barbecues, beaches, fireworks, and fun. It’s also a great time to create a summer cleaning checklist for chores that can’t be done during the winter cold, such as cleaning the garage, having air ducts cleaned, and power washing the driveway.
Then suddenly, it’s Labor Day, and someone inevitably asks, “Where did the summer go?” Then it hits- that list of summer chores you taped to the front of the refrigerator in June is still sitting there. Then what? Are you supposed to leave the list there until next year and allow the cycle to repeat itself?
There’s still time to tackle that to-do list while enjoying the rest of your summer. Here are five important jobs that shouldn’t be put off until next June, and can be knocked out before the cold, wet winds of winter roll in.
1. AC and Furnace Checks
Here is a small but important task to get you started: Get your air conditioning and heating units checked by a professional technician. The US Department of Energy recommends regular maintenance of your AC filters, coils, fins, and refrigeration lines to increase the unit’s efficiency and reduce energy consumption, thereby saving you money and lowering your environmental footprint.
Ideally, the best time for the systems to be checked is early summer, in order to avoid extreme heat issues later when the HVAC techs are in high demand. But if you missed it, don’t worry. Early fall is also a good time to have both units inspected just before the winter winds arrive.
2. Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Now that the heating and cooling systems are in good working order, it’s the perfect time to have the air ducts in your home cleaned. Instead of trying to do this yourself, making a mess, and stressing yourself out, the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends hiring a reputable air duct cleaning company to do the job. These professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to properly clean your ducts, and it is easier than doing it yourself.
This is an especially good time to tackle this chore if you have family members who suffer from poor indoor air quality. Improving the air quality in your home will make a noticeable difference for allergy and asthma sufferers, even more so if they are very young or elderly. And the best part is that you won’t have to worry about it again for another year.
3. Inspect Attics and Basements for Pests and Needed Repairs
When making your summer checklist, plan to do this one on a day when you won’t be rushed. It takes time and attention to thoroughly examine these rooms. As you go through each one, keep an eye out for animal droppings, unusual smells, or nests. These can be signs of unwanted visitors. To discourage them, remove anything that might provide food, shelter, or water- like open food sources, nesting materials, or water leaks. Since you’ll already be there, check the pipes. Look for mold, moisture stains, or even the odd, musty smell that seems to accompany hidden moisture. Identifying these issues now will help you be proactive later.
And don’t forget: attics can be dangerously hot. While you’re there, be sure to drink water and take breaks. Heat exhaustion is nothing to ignore. Better yet, plan on doing this on a day that you can go swimming afterward. You and your family can enjoy a cool dip in the pool and great family time, knowing your home is protected.
4. Power Wash the Driveway, Patio, and Decks
Summer is the perfect season to power wash the outside areas of your home. Garden Gate Magazine explains how a well-done power washing job doesn’t just brighten your outdoor surfaces, it also enhances curb appeal. More importantly, power washing helps contribute to a healthier environment by stripping away dirt, mold, and algae buildup. Algae and mold don’t only pose respiratory risks for your family; they can make patios and walkways dangerously slippery. Once your home is sparkly clean on the outside, it’ll be the perfect time to fire up the grill, invite people to come over, and enjoy the beauty of your home’s exterior.
5. Clean the Gutters and Check Your Roof
Chances are that when you checked the attic for leaks, you may have found some, but don’t stop there. Take some time to go up to the roof and check for any additional damage that hasn’t shown signs of leaking- yet. If they’re there, it’s best to catch them early.
Once that’s done, turn your attention to your gutters. If they’re clogged or overflowing, now is the time to clean them out. Well-maintained gutters don’t just add curb appeal; they play a crucial role in protecting the structural integrity of your home. By channeling water away from the foundation, they help prevent cracks, ward off pests, protect your roof, and prevent damage to the fascia.
The Illusion of Summer
When it comes to rising temperatures, summer feels like it could last forever, but the reality is that those three to four glorious months of sunshine are quickly filled with activities. There are family gatherings, vacation trips, and summer camps galore. But hidden within that busy calendar lies the perfect opportunity to get outside and take care of your home.
Before you find yourself saying, “It’s Labor Day already?” take a step back and truly assess what is important to your family and your home. Make a plan, balance your priorities and fun, and include your home maintenance checklist on your calendar alongside those enjoyable activities. Then, when those first leaves fall and the weather changes, you’ll rest easy knowing you, your family, and your home are prepared for whatever winter brings, feeling cozy, comfortable, and stress-free.
