9 Home Maintenance Projects to Tackle This Summer

The summertime is the perfect opportunity to catch up on all of those little home maintenance projects that you've been meaning to do but haven't had the time. By taking care of these projects now, you can avoid bigger issues (and expenses) down the road. Not sure where to start? Here are 9 home maintenance projects to tackle this summer:

1. Inspect your gutters and downspouts.

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, so it's important to keep them clean and in good repair. If your gutters are made of wood, look for signs of rot and replace any damaged parts as necessary. If they're made of aluminum or another material, make sure they're still securely attached to your roof and repair or replace them if they're not.

2. Clean your air conditioner.

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool all summer long, so show it a little love by cleaning it regularly. Start by removing any debris from around the unit, then open up the inside and clean out the coils and other components with a brush or vacuum attachment. Finally, change the filter to help improve efficiency.

3. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced at least once a year. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually every 6 months).

4. Check for signs of pests.

Pests like rodents and insects can do a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked, so it's important to inspect for signs of them regularly. Look for droppings, holes in walls or floors, and strange noises coming from inside your walls or attic. If you see any signs of pests, call an exterminator right away.

5. Inspect your windows and doors for drafts.

Drafty windows and doors can let precious air conditioning escape from your home, driving up your energy bills in the process. To check for drafts, hold a lit candle near each window and doorframe; if the flame flickers, there's a draft present that needs to be sealed up.

6. Clean out your dryer vent pipe.

A clogged dryer vent pipe can cause your dryer to overheat and even start a fire, so it's important to keep it clean (and short!). Disconnect the vent pipe from your dryer, then vacuum out any lint that's accumulated inside both the pipe and the dryer itself. Reattach the pipe (making sure it's as short as possible), then vacuum or brush out the section between the dryer and the wall outlet as well—this is often forgotten but just as important!

7 .Give your exterior a power wash.

Power washing is a great way to remove dirt, pollen, mildew, and other build-up from siding, decks, patios, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces . You can rent a power washer from most hardware stores , or hire a professional if you're not comfortable doing it yourself . Either way , power washing is an affordable , easy way t o improve yo ur home 's curb appeal .  

8 . Fertilize your lawn 

A healthy lawn is key to maintaining curb appeal, so make sure yours gets plenty of attention during the spring and summer months. Fertilize at least once per season using a quality fertilizer formulated for your type of grass, and mow regularly to keep it looking its best.  

9 . Prune your landscaping  

Plants grow quickly during the summer months, so don't forget to prune them back as needed . Regular pruning helps to promote new growth, that improves the overall appearance of your landscaping an d helps to prevent diseases and insect infestations.

By taking care of these 9 home maintenance projects this summer, you can avoid bigger issues (and expenses) down the road! Plus, you'll get peace of mind knowing that your home is in good shape heading into fall and winter when home maintenance projects are harder to do due to bad weather conditions.