Summer’s here! If you’re a homeowner, you know there are chores to be checked off the list before you can get down to enjoying the season. Start on them today with these 15 home maintenance tips.

1. Weed Your Lawn Get rid of those unsightly weeds crowding your flower beds and growing around your mailbox. Spray the ones pushing through the cracks in your driveway and walkways to clean those areas up, too. Mulch your flower beds and around your trees to keep the summer weeds from taking over.
2. Repaint Peeling Areas Peeling paint dramatically decreases curb appeal and needs to be addressed before it becomes worse. Sand the area and re-apply the same color of paint. Let it dry and add a second coat.
3. Pressure Wash Sidewalks and Porches Break out your pressure washer or rent one from your local big box store and get to work on your dirty sidewalks and driveway. Wash your garage and porch floors, then take it around back to freshen up your decks. If you love chores with instant gratification, this one is certainly for you.
4. …And Your House While you’re at it, spray off your home’s exterior. Remove the bugs, cobwebs, dirt, and twigs that have accumulated over the winter that make your house look rundown and neglected.
5. Replace Burned-Out Light Bulbs Lights that don’t work can end up being a safety hazard. Purchase some energy-saving LED bulbs and change out your porch and other exterior lights. Think about lining your driveway and walkways with solar-powered lights for extra illumination that won’t cost you a dime over time.
6. Wash Windows Help the sun shine into your space by giving your windows a good cleaning with some warm soapy water and a scrub brush. Or use a cleaner that you can attach to your water hose. Start outside removing the leaves and cobwebs that have accumulated, and then move inside and shine them with a soft cloth and window cleaner.
7. Clean Out Gutters If your gutters are stopped up, water can damage your home. Keep them clear of debris by cleaning them yourself or hiring someone to do it. Repair any loose parts, and paint any areas where paint is peeling. Once you’re done, your home will be ready for those summer storms that pop up from out of nowhere.
8. Inspect Your Roof Get a professional to climb on your roof and check it for leaks and other damage. Have any holes patched immediately to keep it from turning into a bigger problem. Ask how long they anticipate your roof lasting, and start saving your money if they expect you will need one in under five years. It pays to plan for such a large expenditure.
9. Check Windows for Leaks Save some dollars by plugging leaking windows that, if left unchecked, will let your cool air out on those hot summer days. Caulk your windows and add weather stripping or foam tape around your door facings to keep your electric bill down.
10. Change Your Fire Alarm’s Batteries Buy some high-quality batteries and add the fresh ones to all the alarms in your house. If you don’t have them placed in your hallway and in every bedroom, invest and install them now. They could end up saving your life.
11. Clean Your Dryer Vent Clogged dryer vents are the cause of many house fires every year. Clean yours out by vacuuming it thoroughly. Keep it clean by committing to emptying your lint trap after every load.
12. Replace Air Filters Prolong your heating and air conditioning unit’s life by replacing your air filter every month. Set an alarm on your smart device and keep a hefty supply handy so you don’t leave a dirty one in too long. Ignoring this chore can damage your unit and make it run inefficiently, costing you more money.
13. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Keep the air flowing and cool by changing the direction of your ceiling fan blades so they run in a counterclockwise motion.
14. Scrub Your Grill Get ready for fun summer cookouts by cleaning your grill from top to bottom. Use a scrub pad on the inside and warm soapy water and a cloth on the outside. If it’s propane, go ahead and get a full tank. After all, you don’t want to run out in the middle of burger-making.
15. Check Window Screens Getting fresh air in your house is a nice change, especially after a cold, closed-in winter. Holes in your screens let bugs and other critters in and look untidy. Walk around your house and look at every screen. Repair screens with holes or invest money in replacing them.