10 End-of-Summer Maintenance Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do This Month

Check for Storm Damage

Did it rain a lot this summer? There could be damage to your home you may not have noticed yet. “Check your roof and gutters for signs of summer storm damage,” says Winder. 

After all, you want to catch a minor problem early before it becomes a major one.

Check Your Doors and Windows

Before winter arrives and your heating bills are suddenly higher than ever, Winder notes a bit of preventative maintenance to save you money and stress in the colder months. “Reseal any caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors,” suggests the home builder.

Fresh caulking will both prevent heat from escaping as well as cold from coming in—keeping those expensive heating bills at bay.

Swap Out Your Smoke Detector Batteries

Your smoke detector batteries won’t work if the battery is dead, and this is something you definitely don’t want to fail. “Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety,” says Winder. 

If you can’t remember the last time you changed out the battery, it’s probably time to put this task on your to-do list.

Deep Clean Carpets

Mónica Taher, chief operating officer at Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, says it’s a smart idea to deep clean your carpets before the end of summer, especially if you have allergy issues. “During the Summer, carpets trap lots of dust, pollen, sand, and even pet dander,” she says. “Giving a deep cleaning to your carpet will refresh it before you keep your windows shut for the fall and winter. This is also the perfect time to wash your windows inside and out and remove pollen, rain streaks, and dust.”

If you haven’t deep-cleaned your carpets in a long time, you may want to hire a pro to do the job.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing can be an incredibly satisfying home task. It’s also easier to do while it’s still warm out. So Taher recommends doing it before the end of August. “Summer also brings mildew, grime, and algae,” she says. “August is a great time to pressure wash sidewalks, driveways, and even garages and preserve the curb appeal around your property.”

Close Out Your Outdoor Pool (If You Have One)

Fall can get really busy, and those barbecue and pool days will soon be a thing of the past. So, Brenda Prinzavalli, organizing strategist at Balanced Organizing Solutions, LLC, advises cleaning and closing out your outdoor pool for the season before September hits—assuming you live in a colder climate and you won’t be using your pool.

HVAC Maintenance

Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer at Maid Brigade, Westchester, suggests doing your regular HVAC maintenance in the coming weeks, including dusting your vents and replacing air filters. “You’ll be closing windows soon and using heat—make sure you’re breathing clean air,” she says.

Tidy Your Entryway

Whether you enter your home through a front door, garage, or mudroom, Murphy recommends giving this space a thorough decluttering and cleaning, especially before school starts and things get extra busy. “Make space for boots, jackets, and school gear before they pile up,” she says.

Vacuum Tight Spaces

The end of August is the right time to vacuum under beds and behind furniture. “When the heat comes on, it stirs up hidden dust—get ahead of it now,” notes Murphy.

So, move your furniture if need be. If this isn’t physically feasible for you, consider hiring a pro to do the job so your home can be thoroughly cleaned without you risking injury.

Clean Your Windows

Before temperatures drop, Murphy advises wiping down window sills and frames. “Rain and condensation can turn built-up grime into moldy messes,” she says.