Summer home maintenance checklist

Check the filter every month during heavy cooling use. Clean a reusable filter or replace a disposable one when it looks dirty, using the size and type listed by the equipment manufacturer.

Inspect the drain and pan for standing water, leaks, or blockage. Use the cleaning method in the equipment manual, or ask the HVAC technician to service the drain during the annual checkup.

Use the highest cooling setpoint that is comfortable and safe for the people, pets, and materials in the home. Check that programmed away periods match your routine instead of cooling an empty house to the occupied setting.

Check walking surfaces, stairs, rails, connections, decay, and the existing finish before choosing work. Stop using an unstable area and arrange a qualified deck inspection. Refinish a sound wood deck only when its condition and product instructions call for it. Use EPA lead-safe controls before disturbing painted pre-1978 components.

Look from the ground for peeling paint, open sealant joints, staining, and failed adhesion. Identify moisture and drainage causes before repair. Before disturbing paint on a pre-1978 home, follow EPA lead-safe guidance; use an EPA Lead-Safe Certified contractor for covered hired work.

Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank, wait 10 minutes without flushing, and check whether color reaches the bowl. Flush afterward to prevent staining. Inspect the supply connection and floor for moisture.

Check the water heater manual for its temperature-and-pressure relief-valve procedure. Discharged water can scald, and the steps vary by model. Use a licensed plumber if the discharge route, shutoffs, or reset behavior are uncertain.

Identify the pest and the opening before choosing a control. Correct accessible food, water, and shelter first. Preserve drainage and ventilation, identify utility and fire-rating requirements, and use qualified help when the opening or repair method is uncertain. Use a pesticide only when needed and exactly as its label directs.

Look for mud tubes, discarded wings, damaged wood, or sawdust-like material near framing and the foundation. These signs need professional identification because termite and carpenter-ant treatments depend on the species and extent of activity.

Test disinfectant and pH at least twice daily while the pool is operating, and more often during heavy use. CDC recommends pH from 7.0 to 7.8 and at least 1 ppm free chlorine, or at least 2 ppm when cyanuric acid is used.

Record the clean operating pressure and follow the filter manufacturer's trigger for cleaning, backwashing, or media replacement. The correct procedure and interval depend on the filter type, pool use, and water conditions.

Check heads and drip lines for leaks, clogs, overspray, and poor coverage. Adjust the controller for current weather, plant needs, soil, and local watering restrictions instead of relying on one national schedule.

From the ground, look for dead, broken, hanging, rubbing, or obstructive branches and conflicts with the home, paths, equipment, or utilities. Pruning timing and clearance depend on the species, condition, structure, and installed equipment. Keep yourself, tools, and branches at least 10 feet from energized lines; contact the utility or a qualified line-clearance arborist for that work.

Test GFCI receptacles monthly using the device instructions. Power should stop when TEST is pressed and return after RESET. Have an electrician replace a device that does not trip or restore power correctly.