Summer home maintenance
Indoor summer home maintenance
Sure, you’d rather spend the summer outdoors, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do inside. Dust and moisture don’t take a break just because it’s nice out!
Watch out for moisture in the basement
One of the first things to check is definitely the humidity level, which can easily fluctuate in summer to an unpleasant degree. Keep the relative humidity as close to 50% as possible. You can do that by keeping the air moving through the basement and crawl space, except in very hot weather when you’re better off closing the windows and air vents.
If you notice condensation on the basement walls and floors, take the following steps to protect them from mould:
- Pull furniture away from exterior walls
- Open the doors of closets located on exterior walls to help them dry out.
Good to know
You can prevent condensation from forming in warm weather by insulating cold water pipes. To avoid unpleasant odours, run water through floor drains and plumbing fixtures that are not used as often in summer to restart the traps.
AC and heat pump maintenance
Here’s what you need to do in summer:
Clean outdoor coils
Lubricate the fan if recommended by the manufacturer
Clean or replace the filter
Have it checked by an expert every 5 years for a complete cleaning, lube, and refrigerant recharge
Hot tip! Check the filters on your range and your bathroom fan too.
Outdoor summer home maintenance
Summer temperatures are perfect for outdoor projects. Whether you’ve got a fence that needs a fresh coat of paint, critters under your shed or balcony, or branches overgrowing your pool, this is a great time of year to deal with it. You should also check the following.
Structures
Check the roof of your house, garage, and shed. If shingles are missing or flashing is broken or out of place, fix it! If a storm rages and a tree branch falls on your roof, inspect it again. If you have a tar-and-gravel flat roof, add gravel where the roofing felt is visible and contact a roofer if rainwater is still standing 48 hours after it falls.
Seal any cracks in the siding to prevent infestations of animal pests (mice, rats, bats, etc.) or harmful insects (wasps, ladybugs, etc.).
Go around the whole house and clean and inspect the fans and exhaust vents for the dryer, air exchanger, and bathroom fan.
Test your outdoor electrical outlets to make sure they work and contact a master electrician if there are any issues. Check our list of CAA-Quebec Approved Suppliers to find one near you.
Replace outdoor light bulbs that have burnt out, preferably with energy-efficient bulbs, and consider adding a timer or photocell to ensure they turn on even when you’re away.
Summer is also a great time to get your chimney swept.
Wood decks, fences, and playsets
Summertime is perfect for repairing or refinishing your wood features.
Need to stain your deck or fence? Choose a cooler day, wait until the dew has burnt off, and work in the shade if you can.
If you have a playset, check it periodically to make sure the swings and slides are properly anchored. Disinfect the sand or replace it from time to time.
Tip: Cover the sandbox with a fitted lid or a mosquito net so it doesn’t turn into an outdoor litter box.
The pool
If you haven’t already, connect your pool filter to a timer. Whether you have an aboveground or inground pool, you’ll be able to take a break from the noise of the pump at certain times of day and you’ll save on your electricity bill (less so if you have a heat pump). Remember to check the pool or ladder lock to keep the kids safe. You should also lock up any equipment or products that could pose a threat to children, such as chlorine, fuel, and pesticides.
The lawn and other plants
Mow your lawn when the grass is 11 to 12cm (4.5in.) high. If you have a mulching mower, leave the clippings behind to naturally fertilize your lawn.
Never cut off more than one-third of the grass at a time. Adjust your mower to keep the height at about 7.5cm (3in.).
Got grubs? Mid-August is the best time to introduce nematodes. These parasites will eliminate white grubs. You can find them at your local nursery.
Trees, shrubs, and climbing plants grow fast. Cut them back if:
They’re touching your house, garage, or shed
They’re blocking passageways
They’re blocking air intakes or exhaust vents (for the air exchanger, dryer, etc.
They’re too close to your heat pump
But watch out. Electrical wires are dangerous. If you need help, call professional tree trimmers or Hydro-Québec.
Water-saving tip: Connect your downspout to a rain barrel and use what you collect to water your yard.
Good to know
Mowing the lawn too close can damage the grass and make it more likely to dry out and more susceptible to weeds. Note too that your lawn needs about 2.5cm (1 in.) of water a week. If it isn’t going to rain, water it for a few hours early in the morning.
Seasonal checklist – Summer
Handy checklist to download or print
Use our summer maintenance list to keep track of what you need to do, both inside and outside your home, and check tasks off as you complete them. Download or print it—and be sure to keep it on hand.
Do you need personalized advice on your home?
Our Residential Advisory Services counsellors are there to answer your questions and support you when you need it. Ask for their advice as often as you like. It’s one of the benefits of membership.
