Home Maintenance Checklist for Summer

Summer brings warmth, longer days and of course, the need for proper home maintenance. A well-prepared home helps you stay cool, keeps utility bills in check, and prevents costly repairs during the hottest months of the year. Without proper upkeep, the season can bring costly breakdowns, shocking energy bills, and even safety hazards for your household!

Here’s your homeowner’s checklist to keep everything running smoothly for a cool and comfortable summer.

1. Air Conditioning Maintenance (The Heart of Summer Comfort)

Let’s start with the most crucial need every summer: air conditioning. A functional and efficient AC is essential for summer comfort. According to the National Weather Service, heat is the number one cause of weather-related fatalities, more than hurricanes, storms, or any other natural catastrophe.

Whether you have a central system, mini split, portable AC, or window unit, here’s what to check:

Central AC

✅ Replace or clean air filters (every 30–60 days)

✅ Clear debris from around the outdoor condenser unit (2–3 feet clearance)

✅ Check and clean condenser coils

✅ Inspect refrigerant lines for leaks or damage

✅ Ensure condensate drain is clear

✅ Schedule a professional tune-up (especially if not serviced in the last 12 months)

Ductless Mini Splits

✅ Clean or replace air filters

✅ Wipe indoor unit vents and check for mold or mildew

✅ Inspect outdoor condenser for blockages or dirt

✅ Check system performance—cooling speed, fan noise, remote functionality

For a more comprehensive guide, check out our dedicated post on Mini Split Cleaning and Maintenance.

Portable & Window ACs

✅ Clean or replace the filter

✅ Vacuum coils and vents

✅ Check for proper drainage and no excess moisture

✅ Seal window gaps to prevent air leaks

Also see our related guides:

How to Clean & Change Your AC Filter

Keep It Cool: How to Maintain your AC in Summer

💡 TIP: If you have multiple units that need to be cleaned, a dedicated AC cleaner can make the task faster and more efficient. Check out our lineup of AC cleaning tools and products to make the chore easier and more convenient!

2. General Cooling and Ventilation

Proper air circulation is another way to lower temps and keep humidity levels in check. Here’s what to check to make sure the air flows freely around your home.

✅ Reverse test ceiling fans – reverse the direction of the fan to counter-clockwise for summer airflow

✅ Clean fan blades and check for wobbling

✅ Inspect attic fans or vents for proper operation

✅ Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce indoor humidity

3. Exterior Maintenance

The relentless heat can take a toll on your home’s exterior, especially trimming and seals. Make sure your home is airtight to reduce air leakage and inefficient cooling.

✅ Inspect siding, trim, and foundation for cracks or damage

✅ Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage

✅ Power wash the driveway, siding, and walkways

✅ Check and seal any gaps or openings to prevent pest entry and air leaks

✅ Touch up the exterior paint and stain decks if needed. This is best done in summer to allow the paint to dry and cure faster

4. Plumbing and Water Systems

Summer is typically water season, whether it’s for the pool or for the lawn. Keep your water supply steady by inspecting the following:

✅ Check hoses and outdoor faucets for leaks

✅ Inspect sprinkler systems and adjust the spray patterns if needed

✅ Flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup. This is best done in the summer before the hot water storage tank sees heavy use come fall and winter. Depending on the water quality in your area, this may need to be done more than once per year.

✅ Check for signs of indoor leaks under sinks and behind toilets. You’ll want to do this before the cold season to prevent burst pipes!

5. Lawn and Garden

With more people outdoors, make sure your yard looks neat and tidy!

✅ Mow lawn regularly and water deeply early in the morning

✅ Trim trees and shrubs to prevent damage to siding or roofing

✅ Ensure your AC outdoor units are not being blocked by plants, trees or yard debris. Be careful when landscaping around it to avoid blowing debris into the unit.

✅ Shield compressors if needed so they don’t have to work as hard

✅ Checking fencing for damage, and touch up with paint

7. Safety and Emergency Readiness

✅ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

✅ Check fire extinguishers (expiration date and pressure)

✅ Update your emergency kit with summer items (bug spray, sunscreen, batteries)

✅ Review your home’s insurance coverage before the storm season

9. Seasonal Appliance Check

✅ Clean dehumidifiers, especially water reservoirs. Summer is typically when they see the heaviest usage

✅ Clean or replace refrigerator coils, as higher temps put strain on your fridge

✅ If you have a backup generator, make sure it’s fueled and tested. Generators should be operated several times per year to make sure they are at peak performance when needed.

Keep Cool with Total Home Supply

At Total Home Supply, we carry top-rated cooling products, as well as indoor air quality appliances like dehumidifiers and fans to help you beat the summer heat. Whether you need a new air conditioner, ventilation, or AC cleaning equipment, we’ve got the solutions you need.