In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people around the country and the world are opting to postpone vacations and stay home this summer. And with so many of us staying home, effective and efficient summer home maintenance becomes all-the-more important to our wellbeing. Different seasons call for different home maintenance tasks, so a comprehensive seasonal home maintenance checklist is essential.

Now that the warmer months are upon us, why not start building your very own home maintenance plan? Get started on your summer home maintenance schedule with MOOD Design + Build’s top summer home maintenance tips for 2020!

summer home maintenance tip #1: prep your air conditioning/hvac system

Prepping and repairing your HVAC system is possibly the most obvious (but important nonetheless!) summer home maintenance tip. Chicagoans all know that we need ample heat in the frigid Chicago winters and reliable AC in the humid Chicago summers, so seasonal HVAC maintenance is crucial.

Replace old air filters

While it depends on the size of your home and the quality of your filters, as a general rule of thumb, HVAC filters should be replaced every three months. So, at the turn of a new season, summer included, you should always check and replace old filters. If it’s been fewer than three months since you last replaced your filters, check for dust and clean them accordingly.

Clean in and around the HVAC system

Dirt, dust and debris can easily build up in and around your HVAC unit. This build-up can not only impact the efficiency of your system and negatively affect your home’s air quality, but it can also be a fire hazard. Before you start cleaning, power off your HVAC system. Be sure to clean everything including the coils, blower compartments, inside/outside cabinets and air and supply registers.

Test the HVAC system

Now that you’ve inspected and cleaned your HVAC unit, it’s time to make sure it operates properly. Plug it back into the circuit, adjust the air conditioner to your desired temperature and allow it to run until it cools your home fully, to ensure that it is working properly.

summer home maintenance tip #2: invest in energy-efficient window treatments

This one is a not-so-obvious summer home maintenance tip that can be a life-saver in the hot, sunny months. Window treatments aren’t always just there to look pretty! You can install sun-blocking window covers that are both stylish and energy-efficient, helping insulate your home from various extreme weather temperatures.

This is a great way to add personality to your home while keeping out the summer heat and glair from the sun. From drapes and curtains to shutters and blinds, there are tons of different energy-efficient window treatment options to explore. If you’re in the market, consider consulting with an interior designer to help you choose the right window treatments for your home.

summer home maintenance tip #4: do thorough landscaping

While professional landscapers can get the job done when it comes to the entirety of your yard, there are plenty of do-it-yourself landscaping tasks that can get the exterior of your home ready for the summer.

Add a fresh layer of mulch

Adding new mulch around your flower beds, shrubs and trees will not only increase your home’s curb appeal, but it will also help prevent weeds from growing and will allow plants to retain moisture that allows them to grow. First, create a defined edge between the bed and the lawn, then remove the old mulch. Finally, add the fresh layer of mulch. Ensure that there are two to four inches of mulch on any given bed.

Test your irrigation/sprinkler system

To ensure that your lawn is getting the proper moisture it needs, it’s important to regularly inspect and test your sprinkler system. Turn on your sprinkler system and make note of any clogged, broken or stuck sprinkler heads. Then, turn off the system and address each sprinkler head as necessary. Using a screwdriver, pry off any broken sprinkler heads and replace them with the same model.

Install new plants

If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of plants including shrubs, bushes and flowers. Don’t be afraid to get creative and play with color and texture. There are many beautiful low-maintenance plants to choose from. This is a great way to add a unique personality to your home.

summer home maintenance tip #3: wash your windows inside and out

Just like landscaping, summertime is a perfect opportunity to clean your windows inside and out. Start from the inside, dusting your blinds and/or curtains, wiping down your windows with a damp cloth or sponge and, finally, shining your windows with glass cleaner.

Spring showers may have very well left dirt, debris and water stains on the exterior of your home, so be sure to get out there and hose them down from the outside. This is also a great opportunity to remove and thoroughly clean your window screens. While you’re at it, you should check for any rips or tears in your screens, and repair and replace screens as necessary.

summer home maintenance tip #5: revitalize your porch, patio or deck

Warmer weather plus more time spent at home equals more porch and patio time! Ensure that your porch, patio and/or deck are in tip-top shape so that you can enjoy the fresh air while staying home during the summer season.

Clean the floors

Dirt builds up much more easily outside than in, so it’s important to regularly clean your outdoor floorboards. For heavily-caked-on dirt and stains, consider power-washing your outdoor floors. Otherwise, a broom, mop and scrubbing tool should suffice.

Check for signs of rotting

After cleaning, do a thorough inspection for mold or rot on wooden floorboards. Repair and replace floorboards as necessary. Also, use this as an opportunity to check for any loose or rusty nails that need to be replaced or hammered back in.

Add some fresh furniture & decor

Another way to increase curb appeal for your home and add another layer of personality is to stage your patio or porch with new furniture that fits your unique tastes. Go with colors that compliment the outside of your home and match the style of the inside of your home. Don’t be afraid to make it you!

final thoughts on summer home maintenance

Congrats! You now have a basic outline of a summer home maintenance plan. While many of these home maintenance tasks can be done on your own, it’s always a good idea to consider hiring a team of professionals that can provide expert, comprehensive home maintenance services for your home’s unique needs.

Summer Home Maintenance: Top 5 Tips