Summer home maintenance checklist: AC, storms and leaks

0 of 25 done · Saved on this device

Your air conditioner works harder in July than any other appliance in the house works all year. Summer is also when thunderstorms, hurricanes and long dry spells test the outside of your home. A little attention now keeps you cool and saves a sweaty emergency call on the hottest weekend of the year.

The monthly items take five minutes. The one-time items fit into a couple of evenings or a weekend morning before it gets hot. Tick tasks as you go; the page remembers your progress.

Cooling

Check the AC filter every month A clogged filter makes the system work harder and cool less. See how to change your HVAC filter.
Keep the outdoor unit clear Pull weeds, grass clippings and leaves away from it. Turn it off at the thermostat first.
Watch for water around the indoor unit Puddles or drips near the furnace or air handler can mean a clogged drain. Turn the system off and call an HVAC technician if you see them.
Raise the thermostat when nobody is home The Department of Energy notes the AC uses less energy when you let the house warm up while you are out.
Run ceiling fans counterclockwise This sends air down for a cooling breeze. Turn fans off when you leave the room; they cool people, not rooms.
Close blinds on sunny windows Blocking afternoon sun keeps rooms cooler and takes load off the AC.
Know the signs of a struggling AC Warm air, short cycling or ice on the lines are your cue. See AC not cooling.

Outside

Check gutters after big storms Summer storms knock leaves and twigs loose. See clean gutters safely.
Look for standing water in the yard Low spots near the foundation can mean a downspout or grading problem, and they breed mosquitoes.
Check sprinklers and hoses for leaks A broken head can waste water for weeks before you notice. See fix a broken sprinkler head.
Fix a dripping hose bib Usually a worn washer or packing. See outdoor faucet leaking.
Tighten deck boards and railings Summer is deck season, so make sure it is solid. See fix a loose deck board.
Trim branches away from the roof and power lines Trim only what you can reach from the ground. Branches near power lines are a job for your utility or a tree service.
Touch up peeling paint and caulk on the outside Dry, warm weather is the best time for exterior paint and caulk to cure.

Plumbing and appliances

Check washing machine hoses Look for bulges, cracks or damp spots at the fittings. A burst hose can flood a room fast.
Clean the dishwasher filter Many models have a removable filter; your manual shows where. A dirty one leaves water in the tub. See dishwasher not draining.
Clean refrigerator coils if your model calls for it Dusty coils make the fridge run longer in a hot kitchen. Unplug it first and follow the manual. See refrigerator not cooling.
Clean the dryer lint screen every load The U.S. Fire Administration advises this, plus checking that the outside vent flap opens while the dryer runs.
Look under sinks for slow leaks Check the cabinet floor for stains or soft spots once a month.

Safety and storms

Test smoke and CO alarms Fire and safety agencies say to test them monthly. Replace smoke alarms 10 years from the date printed on them.
Keep the grill well away from the house Set it on open ground away from siding, deck railings and overhanging branches, and never grill in a garage.
Review your storm plan If you live in hurricane country, work through our hurricane prep checklist early.
Put flashlights and batteries where you can find them Ready.gov recommends planning for power outages ahead of storm season.
If you own a generator, plan where it will sit The CPSC says outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents.
Check your GFCI outlets Press Test, then Reset, on outlets near pools, patios and the kitchen. See GFCI outlet not working.

Get these on your phone every summer with our free maintenance calendar. If the AC needs a technician or the tree work is more than you can reach from the ground, we can match you with a local pro at no cost.

Common questions

How often should I change the AC filter in summer?

Check it monthly. The Department of Energy suggests cleaning or replacing it once a month or as the maker recommends, and heavy AC use, pets and pollen can clog it faster.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to when I'm away in summer?

The Department of Energy suggests setting it higher when nobody is home so the AC runs less. Pick a setting that still protects pets, plants and anything heat-sensitive.

Is it worth getting an AC tune-up in the middle of summer?

If the system is due for service or is acting up, yes, but expect a longer wait. Spring is the easier time to book, so put it on next year's calendar.