Summer Home Maintenance Checklist (With a Free Printable!)
We’re in the thick of summer, but somehow back-to-school season and the first crisp fall day always sneak up fast! That makes July the perfect time to tackle some home maintenance before your calendar fills with school supply shopping, open houses, and fall sports. This summer home maintenance checklist will help you stay ahead and keep your home running smoothly when the seasons change.
I’ve also included a free printable PDF, because if you’re anything like me, writing things down helps you actually remember to do them. And who doesn’t love the satisfaction of checking something off a list?
Some of my favorite products are linked throughout to make the job easier. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you – thanks for supporting the content I love to share!
Indoor Comfort & Safety Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up & Change Air Filters
With this summer’s record-breaking high temperatures, your AC is working overtime. A quick mid-summer tune-up can keep things running efficiently and help avoid surprise repairs!
To Do:
- Schedule a professional inspection to check refrigerant levels, electrical components, and potential leaks. Maintenance now saves money later!
- Replace filters in your HVAC system, window units, or portable air purifiers (this is recommended every 1–3 months).
- Make sure all vents are clear of furniture or dust buildup.
Best Air Conditioner Filters, AC Coil Cleaners, & Smart Thermostats
2. Clean HVAC Vents & Dryer Ducts
Clearing out dust and lint improves indoor air quality and prevents fire hazards!
To Do:
- Vacuum dust from all HVAC intake and return vents.
- Remove lint from the dryer duct (both inside the machine and at the outdoor exhaust point).
- You may want to schedule a professional duct cleaning if it’s been several years.
Essential HVAC Vent & Dryer Duct Cleaning Tools
3. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This is a super quick and simple task that should be done in each season (not just summer)!
To Do:
- Press the test button on each detector to make sure it’s working.
- Replace batteries or units if they have expired (most should be replaced every 10 years).
- Ensure detectors are installed on every floor and outside bedrooms.
Top-Rated Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Combos
4. Check for Pest Entry Points
As the weather starts to get cooler, bugs, mice, and other creepy-crawlies look for a way inside. Seal things up before they make it in your house!
To Do:
- Inspect doors, windows, baseboards, attic access, and garage seals for gaps.
- Seal any cracks or holes with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Trim trees and shrubs that touch or hang close to the house.
Weatherstripping, Caulk, & Pest Control Sealing Supplies
Outdoor Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
5. Wash Windows & Check Screens
Take advantage of the sunshine and enjoy clear views (and fewer flies)!
To Do:
- Wash interior and exterior windows using a streak-free cleaner.
- Remove screens and rinse them gently; patch small holes with screen repair tape.
Window Squeegee Kits, Cleaner, & Screen Repair Tape
6. Inspect Your Roof for Damage or Debris
Better to catch issues now than after the first fall storm – or worse, snow!
To Do:
- Use a ladder or a drone to spot missing shingles, sagging, or moss growth.
- Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
- Clear out debris from valleys and gutters.
Roof Inspection Tools: Telescoping Rake & Gutter Scoop
7. Prep for Flooding & Groundwater Seepage
Late summer storms and early fall rain can lead to serious water issues if you’re not ready.
To Do:
- Make sure window wells are properly sealed and drains are clear.
- Check that the soil slopes away from your foundation to direct water outward.
- Test your sump pump and consider adding a backup battery or alarm.
Flood & Freeze Alarm & Sealant Solutions
8. Power Wash & Inspect Outdoor Spaces
Keep your patio and tools in great shape for late summer BBQs, and make fall cleanup easier later.
To Do:
- Power wash decks, patios, siding, and walkways.
- Tighten or repair loose railings, stairs, or boards.
- Clean and store outdoor tools or summer toys you’re no longer using.
Electric Power Washer & Deck Screw Repair Kits
Kids & Daily Life Prep
9. Organize the Pantry & Restock Essentials
A tidy pantry makes back-to-school meal planning and packing lunches so much easier. I’m all about anything that can help limit the morning chaos!
To Do:
- Toss expired items and wipe down shelves.
- Group similar items together for better visibility.
- Restock school lunch staples, freezer meals, and quick dinners.
Clear Pantry Bins & Lazy Susans for Kitchen Organization
10. Create a Drop Zone or Family Command Center
If your kids are anything like mine, they come home from the beginning of the school year with a million papers – and leave them either in their backpacks, all over the counter, or crumpled up on the floor. Having a space for important documents and everyday essentials is a must!
I highly recommend utilizing your mudroom for kids’ stuff storage if you’re not already! It’s a natural drop zone and helps keep clutter out of the rest of the house. I’ve done a few mudroom locker makeovers! You can find them here, here, and here.
To Do:
- Install easy-to-reach hooks for backpacks, keys, and jackets.
- Add a dry-erase board or calendar to track schedules. You can also use a digital option (linked below!)
- Set up a designated tray or folder for each family member’s papers.
Wall-Mounted Organizers, Touchscreen Family Calendar, & Magnetic Dry-Erase Boards
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist Free Printable
Taking a little time now to tackle these summer maintenance tasks will set you up for a smoother, more organized transition into back-to-school season and help you avoid surprises once fall weather rolls in. From keeping your home cool and safe to clearing the clutter and prepping for storm season, each of these to-dos is a small step toward a home that works with you, not against you.
Whether you knock everything out in a weekend or chip away a little at a time, I hope this list helps you feel a bit more in control (and less like you’re racing to keep up). Don’t forget to download the free printable checklist below! It’s perfect for taping to the fridge or keeping in your planner.
