5 Small Maintenance Tasks You Should Do Now to Get Your Home Ready for Summer

As summer gets closer and closer, now is the time to start crossing some important home and yard maintenance tasks off your to-do list so you can fully enjoy the season when it arrives.

According to experts, here are five important small tasks you should do, both indoors and outdoors.

Clean Your Deck or Patio

If you’re lucky enough to have your own outdoor space, you’ll want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape before summer officially begins.

Olivia Ettienne, a TaskRabbit specialist, recommends cleaning out all dirt and debris. She recommends pressure washing the area if possible.

“This will remove mold buildup, refresh the surface, and help prevent permanent damage and stains,” says Ettienne.

Address Your Yard

Your yard itself may not be in the best condition after the winter and spring months, and a little TLC can go a long way in getting your yard ready for summer.

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, recommends going out and clearing your yard of fallen debris, removing pesky weeds, and trimming any plants that need it weekly.

“If you garden, start by preparing the soil and preparing it for planting,” says Yamaguchi.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting

By the way, have you been paying much attention to your outdoor lighting plan lately?

Dan Mock, executive vice president of Mister Sparky, said, “Good outdoor lighting design can not only highlight a home’s best features, but can also serve as a deterrent against intruders and trip hazards.”

He recommends many different outdoor lighting methods. Garlands are great for creating a cozy atmosphere.

“Hang weather-resistant lanterns in trees or around poles to provide enough light to the space without making it too bright,” says Mock.

If you’re craving a little excitement, colored lighting is also an interesting choice for outdoor spaces, he adds.

Install spotlights and tree lights if you want to highlight your backyard landscape. “Whether it’s statues or fountains that you want guests or neighbors to notice, these types of lights will help grab their attention,” says Mock.

Check Your HVAC System

Ettienne previously worked as an HVAC technician and understands the importance of regular HVAC maintenance in both the winter and summer. She recommends calling a technician to inspect all of your outdoor units because they will check everything to make sure all of your outdoor units are completely ready for the summer.

In the meantime, don’t neglect the air filter. Ettienne encourages people to be sure to change them to ensure quality air flow, especially on hot summer days.

Check for Leaking Pipes

During the summer, you’ll likely see an increase in your utility bills due to increased water consumption, but if those costs skyrocket, you could end up with a leaky pipe, says Joseph Wade, vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

To determine if your pipes are leaking, check your water meter. After turning off all the water in your home, look at the meter and determine if it has changed—if so, you likely have a leak, shares Wade.

“If the meter reading does not change immediately, wait two hours and check again,” he said. “If the situation is still changing despite draining the water, you can fix the leak more slowly.”
However, this is not the only sign of a leak. Wade recommends checking toilets to make sure they are working properly. To do this, add a little food coloring to the toilet and return it after 10 minutes.

If paint gets into the bowl, a leak could occur, causing water to flow out of the reservoir and down the drain without having to flush the bowl again, Wade explains.

If you notice mold or an odor under cabinets or sinks in your home, this could also indicate a leak.

“Be especially vigilant if your home is more than 25 years old,” says Wade; Your plumbing system may shorten its lifespan.”

Give Your Home a Good Dusting

If you haven’t cleaned your entire house in a while, it might be time to take the time to do some spring cleaning. Ettienne explains how dust can stick to your sheets, upholstery, and carpets if you don’t actively clean them.

“A good dusting can help reduce dust mites and allergy symptoms,” says Ettienne.