Summer’s here — time for BBQs, pool days, and late sunsets. But before you relax with a glass of iced tea, it’s smart to give your home and yard a little attention. A few preventative steps now can help you stay cool, avoid costly repairs, and keep summer pests at bay.
Here’s your summer home checklist (with plenty you can DIY — and a few things you’ll want the pros for):
🌀 Keep It Cool
Don’t wait until the first 100-degree day to find out your A/C isn’t working!
- Schedule an A/C tune-up with an HVAC pro. Even newer systems need checkups.
- Consider a service contract so you’re on their priority list if there’s a mid-summer emergency.
- Clear debris around your outdoor unit and give it breathing room.
- Change filters regularly — order online so you never run out.
- Extra cooling options: Portable A/Cs, window units, ceiling fans, even attic fans can make hot rooms bearable.
💧 Fight Moisture & Mold
Summer humidity = mold’s best friend. Protect your home (and your health):
- Run a dehumidifier (make sure it drains properly so it doesn’t overflow).
- Aim for 40–50% humidity indoors.
- Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms.
- Add a vapor barrier in crawl spaces.
- Suspect mold behind walls or carpets? Call a pro — don’t ignore it.
🌳 Yard Work for Summer Days
The heat is tough on lawns, plants, and trees. Stay ahead with these steps:
- Trim trees to avoid storm damage from heavy limbs.
- Check drainage — add extenders, slope landscaping, or consider a French drain if needed.
- Clear debris from gutters, drains, and window wells.
- Add color with heat-loving annuals.
- Water wisely: early evening or morning (not midday).
- Spruce up patios & decks with a power wash or new stain/sealant.
🦟 Keep Pests Away
Summer brings more than sunshine — it brings mosquitos, ticks, and critters.
- Eliminate standing water (flowerpots, toys, buckets, gutters).
- Use non-toxic options like Mosquito Dunks or fish that eat larvae.
- Check window/door screens for holes.
- Run an outdoor fan to keep mosquitos from crashing your cookout.
- Keep grass trimmed to reduce ticks.
- Consider a pest service for bigger problems.
🎨 Summer DIY Projects
Take advantage of warm mornings or evenings for projects best done outside:
- Refinish or paint furniture (hello, flea market finds).
- Clean windows and screens — the sun helps them dry quickly.
- Freshen up outdoor décor with bright colors or new plants.
🌴 Enjoy the Season
A little prep now means you can enjoy your summer with fewer worries. Your home stays cooler, your yard looks great, and you’ve got more time for the fun stuff.
And if you need recommendations for HVAC companies, pest control, or tree services, I’ve got a list of trusted local pros — just reach out!
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