Summer Quarterly Home Maintenance

Get Your Home Ready for Summer

A little seasonal maintenance now can help prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home safe and comfortable all summer long.

Summer is the perfect time to spend a little time caring for your home. Many of these simple tasks take less than an hour but can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in future repairs.

Cooling & Energy Savings

Change Your HVAC Filter

Estimated Cost: $10–$50

Replacing your HVAC filter regularly helps your system run efficiently and can prevent expensive repairs or even replacement. Most filters cost between $10 and $50.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection

Average Cost: $150–$350

A professional HVAC inspection can help:

• Lower energy bills

• Improve system performance

• Prevent costly breakdowns

• Extend the life of your HVAC system

  
  

Don't Let the Sun Steal Your Energy

Keep your home cooler by closing curtains in rooms you're not using during the day. Blackout curtains can help block heat, keeping cool air inside and reducing your energy costs.

Prevent Water Damage

Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Cost: Free (DIY)

Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to roof damage, siding issues, and foundation problems. Cleaning them regularly helps protect your home from expensive repairs.

Inspect Your Roof Shingles

Cost: Free

Look for:

• Curling shingles

• Cracked shingles

• Missing shingles

Catching roof problems early can prevent leaks and water damage that may cost thousands to repair.

Check for Proper Drainage

Cost: Free

Make sure rainwater drains away from your home's foundation. Proper drainage helps prevent:

• Basement leaks

• Foundation cracks

• Structural damage

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Yard & Exterior Care

Trim Trees & Shrubs

Estimated Cost: Free–$100

Keep branches away from your roof, siding, and power lines. Regular trimming helps prevent storm damage and can reduce the risk of pests.

Inspect Siding, Decks & Porches

Cost: Free (DIY)

Look for:

• Loose boards

• Peeling paint

• Signs of rot

Making small repairs now can help avoid much larger repair bills later.

Check Outdoor Faucets & Hoses

Cost: Free (DIY)

Inspect outdoor faucets, hoses, and spigots for leaks. Even a small drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the course of the summer.

Safety Checks

Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Cost: Free

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least once each year. Working alarms save lives.

Check Your Fire Extinguisher

Estimated Cost: $20–$40 (if replacement is needed)

Make sure your fire extinguisher is:

• Fully charged

• Easily accessible

• Not expired

Replace or service it if necessary.

Review Your Emergency Plan

Cost: Free

Take a few minutes to make sure everyone in your household knows what to do during an emergency and has access to important contact numbers.

A Little Time. A Big Difference.

Most of these maintenance tasks take less than an hour, but they can make a huge difference in protecting your home.

By tackling a few simple projects today, you can:

• Prevent costly repairs tomorrow.

• Improve your home's energy efficiency.

• Keep your family safe.

• Enjoy a more comfortable home all summer long.

Need help on your homeownership journey? Diamond State Community Land Trust is here to help Delaware families build long-term housing stability through affordable homeownership resources and education. Contact our team to learn more about available programs and services.