Summer is in full swing, and hopefully you’ve been able to relax and enjoy some fun outdoor activities! Just like every other season, however, there are maintenance items to perform for your home to help keep it in good shape as the warm weather continues. Check out our list of 10 easy ways to maintain your home this summer and keep its value up!

1. Power wash the outside of your home.

Heat and humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow faster on your home’s exterior. Use a power washer with a mildew remover to help combat this, but make sure the removed you use is compatible with your siding! This is a great way to maintain your home’s exterior and it’s a pretty satisfying job!

2. Give your deck a once-over.

Check your deck to see if any boards look like they’re rotting and if there are, have them replaced. You also can pour water on your deck to see if the boards should be resealed: if the water beads into small puddles, it’s okay, but if it sinks into the wood, you should reseal it to protect against water damage.

3. Upgrade old windows and doors. Replace damaged screens.

Make sure all your windows and doors are shutting properly to maintain temperature control. Check the sealant around indoor and outdoor windows and replace if necessary to help keep your home operating in tiptop shape.

4. Check the roof and your home’s exterior and make repairs.

Inspect beneath your eaves for loose debris that might have accumulated there over the year. If you see gunk or leaves, make sure you collect and remove it. Next, inspect your roof’s flashing or metal strips typically found around chimneys, vents, satellite dishes, and skylights. It can loosen during a harsh rainstorm or hailstorm, causing potential water leakage. It’s important to have these things repaired as soon as possible if you notice any damage!

5. Schedule a cleaning for your HVAC system

This will not only give your HVAC a new life, but it will help to ensure that the fan is functioning well, the coils are clean, and there isn’t faulty wiring that could cause a fire. Don’t forget to change your filter!

6. Prune your flowers, bushes, and trees and add any new additions to your garden

If you were unable to get to your home’s garden during the spring, it’s not too late! The summer is a fantastic time to work on your green thumb and to beautify the appearance of your home. Adding mulch to the garden beds will create a clean appearance, help with weed control, and lock in moisture, all which will help to keep plants healthy during hot weather. Also, prune flowers, bushes, and trees, so they’re away from your home’s exterior, roof, and central AC unit!

7. Give your lawn mower a tune-up

The grassy buildup in your lawn mower can invite rust and clog the discharge chute, leaving clumps on your lawn. Routine cleaning can help ward off future problems, so take time this month to do a checkup. Disconnect the spark plug and remove the blade before dislodging debris with a putty knife and wire brush. Use a hose to spray away any remaining clippings. Now you’re good to go!

8. Clean your grill

Charcoal grills: Empty the grill racks and wipe away any dust or residue. Use hot water, dish soap, a scrub brush or sponge to clean both the outside and inside of the grill. Be sure to let your dry all surfaces before using it next.

Gas grills: Close the lid, turn the heat up high, and let the grill cook for about half an hour. Then, let the grill cool. Use a grill brush to sweep the inside and wipe down the outside with a sponge and cleaner. Then clean out all of the drip trays.

9. Check your home’s insulation.

You can find insulation issues pretty much anywhere throughout your house, from the front door to the attic to cracks in your garage door (especially if the garage is attached). With higher cooling costs in the summer, now is time to seal any insulation gaps you may encounter. This will help bring cooling costs down - and heating costs in the cooler months!

10. Inspect your attic and basement

Check both the basement and attic for evidence of pests, insects, water damage, mold, or mildew. It’s also a good idea to turn off the lights to check for any sign of peeking daylight so you can seal up any holes!