Summer Home Maintenance Checklist with Cleaning Tips

By Larry Anderson and the Mercury Team

Summer can be a difficult time to focus on home maintenance with the warm weather and all-day barbecues. While it’s much more fun to soak up the sun and relax outside with friends, investing a little time and effort now can save you from future headaches and expenses. Plus, home maintenance is a lot easier to accomplish in temperate weather. Here are several essential summer maintenance tips you should follow inside and outside your home.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Use this quick summer home maintenance checklist to keep your property in top shape:

Clean gutters and check downspouts for proper drainage.
Inspect the roof, siding, and foundation for cracks or damage.
Power wash and seal decks, patios, and driveways.
Test sprinkler systems and check outdoor faucets for leaks.
Trim overgrown shrubs and maintain your lawn.
Deep clean the outdoor grill and check propane lines.
Service the air conditioning system and replace filters.
Inspect window screens and seal gaps around doors.
Look for leaks under sinks and around water fixtures.
Test smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

How Summer Maintenance Can Help Prevent Costly Damage

Routine maintenance keeps your house looking great, but it also helps you catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. Start with the areas that see the most seasonal wear, such as gutters, outdoor faucets, decks, patios, windows, and your air conditioning system.

“Regular upkeep is the most effective way to avoid expensive repairs,” says Larry Anderson, Director, Underwriting Operations. “For example, fixing a minor roof leak early can prevent extensive water damage, while servicing your AC unit can extend its lifespan and keep your cooling costs manageable.”

Interior Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Maintain your home’s interior by following these tips.

Service Your Air Conditioning System

As the temperature rises, your air conditioning system will work harder to keep your home cool. Start by checking and replacing the air filters to ensure optimal airflow and energy efficiency. Clear any debris from the outdoor unit and ensure the condensate drain is not clogged. You may also want to schedule an annual professional maintenance check to keep your AC running smoothly throughout the summer.

Check Window Screens, Windows, and Doors

Windows, doors, and screens can affect your home’s comfort, energy use, and pest control during the summer. Take a few minutes to inspect each area and make simple repairs where needed.

Check window screens: Look for tears, holes, or bent frames. Patch small holes and replace the mesh or screen if the damage is larger.
Inspect windows and doors: Look for gaps, cracks, or daylight around the frames.
Seal air leaks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to keep cool air inside and hot air outside.
Watch for moisture: Check around windows and doors for water stains, soft spots, or signs of leaks.

These quick checks can help keep your home more comfortable and may help your air conditioning system work more efficiently.

Look for Leaks Around Water Fixtures

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that an average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water annually. You can conserve water and save about 10% on your water bill by fixing these leaks. Check the dishwasher, faucets, toilets, and showerheads for leaks and make any necessary repairs. You may also consider installing a leak detection device to help catch leaks early before they cause significant water damage.

Test Smoke Detectors and Safety Devices

Home safety should always be a top priority. Press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your house. Replace the batteries immediately if the alarm sounds weak. Check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguishers to ensure they’re fully charged and easily accessible in an emergency.

Prepare Your Home for the Season

Ensure your home stays in top shape throughout the season and beyond with these summer maintenance tips. Another way to help keep your home protected is by purchasing homeowners insurance from Mercury. We offer best-in-class coverage at an affordable rate, giving you peace of mind whenever the unexpected happens.

Exterior Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Take a look at some things you can do to keep your home's exterior in good condition.

Step 1: Clean Gutters and Check Drainage

Summer can bring heavy rain and thunderstorms, so keeping your gutters free of debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt is important. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, causing damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping. Grab a ladder, gloves, and a garden hose to clean your gutters thoroughly. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to prevent future debris buildup.

Step 2: Inspect the Roof, Siding, and Foundation

Your roof, siding, and foundation help protect your home from summer storms, heat, and everyday wear, so be sure to look for:

Roof damage: Cracked, curled, loose, or missing shingles.
Siding issues: Rot, gaps, loose panels, or signs of water damage.
Foundation cracks: Small cracks that may need sealing or professional review.
Water trouble spots: Stains, soft areas, or places where water may be getting inside.

If you recently purchased your property, exploring maintenance tips for new homeowners will help you understand what to look for during these inspections.

Step 3: Maintain Decks, Patios, Walkways, and Driveways

Concrete and wood surfaces require regular care to remain safe and visually appealing. Here are some tasks you should add to your summer cleaning checklist:

Sweep away dirt and pressure wash your driveway and walkways.
Fill any visible cracks in the concrete to stop weeds from growing.
Inspect wooden decks for loose or splintered boards.
Applying a fresh coat of sealant will protect the wood from ultraviolet rays and moisture.

Step 4: Test Sprinklers and Outdoor Faucets

Your landscape needs plenty of attention during summer, so now is an excellent time to test your sprinkler system and outdoor faucets. Run the irrigation system and turn on your faucets, then check for any visible leaks and make any necessary repairs. Also, set the timer so the system engages at dawn to save water. These temperatures are cooler during this time, allowing your lawn to absorb the water before it evaporates.

Step 5: Care for Your Lawn and Garden

Maintain your lawn and garden during the summer to help protect your home’s exterior and keep outdoor spaces in good shape. Here are some essential duties to keep on your to-do list:

Mow and edge your lawn regularly. Make sure you set your mower to the highest setting to avoid cutting your grass too short, which can stress the grass and lead to weed growth.
Weed your garden beds and apply herbicide if needed. Mulch can also help prevent weeds from returning and help your plants retain moisture.
Hedge shrubs and prune overgrown flowers to help your plants grow thicker and more voluminous.
Pinch off dead flowers to promote new growth.

Step 6: Clean and Maintain Your Grill

Grilling burgers and dogs is about as summertime as it gets. But if your grates are dirty, they can impart an off-flavor and cause your food to stick. That’s why you should give your grill a good, deep cleaning once a season.

Use a grill scraper or brush to remove burned-on grease from the grates and empty the drip tray. If the grill starts looking dirty after some use, consider turning all the burners to high with the lid closed for about 15 minutes to help burn off any remaining grime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at some frequently asked questions about home maintenance and summer cleaning tips.

What home maintenance should you do at the beginning of summer?

Prioritize tasks that prepare your home for heat and storms. This includes servicing your AC unit, cleaning out gutters, inspecting the roof for damage, testing safety devices, and prepping your outdoor entertaining areas.

How often should you clean your home during summer?

Light summer cleaning, such as dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces, can help manage pollen, dust, and debris brought in from outside. Deeper tasks, like washing exterior windows or cleaning the driveway, can be done at the start of the season or as needed.

What summer maintenance tasks can help lower energy costs?

You can help keep your energy bills in check by regularly changing your AC filters, sealing air gaps around windows and doors, using ceiling fans to circulate cool air, and checking that your attic has proper insulation.

Larry Anderson

Director of Underwriting Operations at Mercury Insurance

Larry Anderson is the Director of Underwriting Operations for Mercury Insurance, where he leads several teams including Audit, Training, and Regulatory Compliance. Anderson has been with Mercury since 2002 when he began as an underwriter. Anderson received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.