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Maintenance Calendar 2026

Beat the Heat:
Summer Checklist

Protect your home from the summer's scorching heat and sudden storms. Our expert 2026 checklist helps you maintain peak AC efficiency, prevent pest invasions, and safeguard your outdoor spaces.

Modern home on a beautiful sunny summer day
20+ Points
Summer Protection 2026

Cooling & Comfort

AC Performance

Maximize cooling efficiency and minimize energy bills by ensuring your system is running at peak performance.

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Efficiency Boost
Replace filters monthly during peak use. Clean condenser coils and ensure the unit has 2 feet clearance on all sides for airflow.
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Smart Thermostat

Optimize your cooling schedule to reduce energy waste while maintaining comfort during the hottest months.

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Energy Savings
Set temperature 78°F when home and higher when away. Each degree higher saves up to 3% on cooling costs.
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Ceiling Fans

Ensure fans are set to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze effect during summer months.

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The Wind Chill Effect
Fans make rooms feel 4°F cooler. Check the switch on motor housing to set correct rotation. Clean blades to prevent dust circulation.
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Window Seals & Shading

Prevent cool air from escaping and block intense summer sun to reduce your AC workload significantly.

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Heat Block Strategy
Use reflective window film or blackout curtains on south/west-facing windows. Check weatherstripping around doors and windows for gaps.
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Ductwork Inspection

Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of conditioned air, forcing your system to work harder and cost more.

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The Tissue Test
Hold a tissue near duct joints while AC runs. Movement indicates leaks. Seal with mastic sealant or metal tape—never use fabric duct tape.
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Attic Ventilation

A poorly ventilated attic can reach 150°F, radiating heat into your living spaces and straining your AC.

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Ventilation Check
Ensure soffit vents are clear of insulation. The attic should be within 10-15°F of outside temperature. Consider adding a solar attic fan.
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Outdoor & Landscape

Lawn & Irrigation

Proper watering practices prevent drought stress while avoiding overwatering that leads to disease and pest problems.

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Smart Watering
Water early morning (6-10 AM) to reduce evaporation. Aim for 1 inch per week. Keep mower blade at 3-4 inches to shade roots.
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Deck & Patio Care

Summer UV exposure and foot traffic can damage outdoor surfaces. Regular maintenance extends their lifespan considerably.

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Surface Protection
Power wash and reseal wood decks if water no longer beads. Check for loose boards and protruding nails. Clean patio furniture regularly.
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Outdoor Plumbing

Check hose bibs and outdoor faucets for leaks that developed over winter and could waste water all summer.

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Leak Detection
A dripping faucet can waste 3,000+ gallons annually. Check vacuum breakers and replace worn washers. Inspect hose connections for cracks.
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Pool & Spa Safety

Maintain proper water chemistry and safety equipment for a fun, worry-free summer swimming season.

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Safety First
Test pH levels twice weekly (ideal: 7.2-7.6). Ensure fencing meets local codes. Check drain covers for damage and secure any pool equipment.
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Pest Prevention

Summer brings mosquitoes, ants, and other pests. Proactive measures keep your outdoor spaces enjoyable.

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Defense Strategy
Eliminate standing water within 48 hours. Keep mulch 6 inches from foundation. Trim vegetation away from the house to reduce pest bridges.
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Grill & Fire Safety

Summer grilling season requires attention to safety. Proper maintenance prevents fires and ensures great cookouts.

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Grill Checklist
Clean grease traps and check gas connections with soapy water (bubbles indicate leaks). Keep grill 10 feet from structures and overhangs.
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Storm Preparedness

Emergency Kit

Summer storms can knock out power for days. Be prepared with essential supplies for your family's safety.

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Kit Essentials
Stock 72 hours of water (1 gallon/person/day), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid, and medications. Update annually.
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Generator Readiness

Don't wait until the power goes out to discover your generator won't start. Test and maintain it now.

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Monthly Test
Run generator for 15-20 minutes monthly under load. Store fresh fuel with stabilizer. Never operate indoors—CO poisoning risk is deadly.
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Tree Assessment

Dead branches and weakened trees become dangerous projectiles during summer storms. Assess and address now.

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Warning Signs
Look for dead branches, cracks in major limbs, or fungal growth at the base. Trees leaning suddenly need immediate professional evaluation.
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Sump Pump Check

Summer thunderstorms can dump massive amounts of water quickly. Ensure your sump system can handle the load.

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The Bucket Test
Pour 5 gallons into the pit—pump should activate within seconds. Check battery backup charge and test discharge line for clogs.
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Gutter Maintenance

Clear gutters can handle 1 inch of rain per hour. Clogged ones overflow and damage foundations and fascia.

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Flow Check
Remove seed pods and debris from spring. Check that downspouts extend 6+ feet from foundation. Consider gutter guards if trees are close.
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Roof Readiness

Summer heat can accelerate shingle deterioration. Inspect now before severe weather season fully arrives.

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Visual Inspection
Use binoculars to spot curling, cracking, or missing shingles. Check flashings around vents and chimneys. Look for granule buildup in gutters.
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Pro Insight

Is Your AC Ready for the Heat Wave?

Summer heat waves push HVAC systems to their limits. An underperforming AC can cost you hundreds in wasted energy and leave your family uncomfortable during the hottest days. Schedule a professional tune-up now before the peak cooling season arrives.

Schedule An Inspection