5 Summer Home Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Home in Top Shape This Season

When the warm weather hits Wisconsin, we know you’d rather be out enjoying the sunshine than worrying about home maintenance. Whether you’re boating on Lake Mendota, camping at Devil’s Lake, or sipping a beer at the Terrace, summer is all about fun. The good news? Summer home maintenance doesn’t have to be a burden—and with just a few essential tasks, you can keep your home running smoothly while enjoying everything the season has to offer.

Here are some easy and effective summer home maintenance tips to protect your investment and make the most of your summer.

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1. Maintain and Protect Your Deck

Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings are a summer staple—so make sure your deck is ready to impress. Here’s how:

• Inspect your deck for rotting boards, popped nails, or loose screws.

• Power wash the surface to remove dirt, mold, and mildew.

• Stain or seal the wood with a high-quality product. Avoid cheap stains—they may save you money now but lead to more frequent maintenance (and missed Mallards games!) in the future.

A well-maintained deck not only looks great but also prevents safety hazards.

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2. Clean Out Your Dryer Vent

It might not be glamorous, but cleaning your dryer vent is a must-do for safety and efficiency.

• Remove lint buildup from both the interior and exterior vents.

• Detach sections if necessary to clean thoroughly.

• Prevent fire hazards and improve drying times.

It’s a great excuse to skip that awkward family BBQ—plus, your clothes (and your home) will thank you.

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3. Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

When summer heat rolls in, your air conditioning will likely be running nonstop. Don’t forget to:

• Replace your HVAC filter at the start of the season.

• Choose a high-efficiency filter to reduce allergens like pollen and dust.

• Improve your home’s air quality and help your system run more efficiently.

Changing your air filter is a quick win for both comfort and energy savings.

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4. Clean Your Gutters

Wisconsin summers can bring heavy storms and rain. To avoid water damage:

• Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters and downspouts.

• Ensure water is flowing freely away from your home’s foundation.

• Prevent basement flooding and protect your landscaping.

Gutter maintenance is one of the top ways to avoid costly repairs due to water intrusion.

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5. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Maximize indoor comfort and airflow by adjusting your ceiling fan direction:

• In summer, set blades to rotate counterclockwise (leading edge higher) to create a cooling breeze.

• Clean the fan blades while you’re at it to reduce dust buildup.

Efficient airflow means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home environment.

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Final Thoughts: Keep Your Home Cool, Safe, and Summer-Ready

With just a few smart summer home maintenance tasks, you can keep your home looking fresh, functioning well, and protected from seasonal issues—all without missing out on the best parts of summer.

Looking for a lake home to match your summer lifestyle? Take a look at some of the beautiful lakefront properties available right now in Wisconsin. Your perfect summer escape might be just a showing away.

From the desk of: Mark Gladue