The Ultimate Utah Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Summer in Utah is the perfect time to enjoy backyard barbecues, family vacations, and long evenings outdoors. It's also one of the best seasons to take care of important home maintenance projects that protect your investment and help prevent expensive repairs later.

Whether you're planning to stay in your home for years or considering selling in the future, these summer maintenance tasks can help keep your property in top shape.

1. Inspect Your Sprinkler System

Utah summers can be hot and dry, making a properly functioning sprinkler system essential.

Walk through each irrigation zone and look for:

• Broken sprinkler heads

• Leaking valves or lines

• Dry patches in the lawn

• Overspray onto sidewalks and driveways

A quick inspection can save water, lower utility bills, and keep your landscaping healthy all season long.

2. Service Your Air Conditioning System

Your A/C works overtime during Utah summers. Scheduling an annual service appointment can help improve efficiency, lower energy costs, and prevent unexpected breakdowns during the hottest months of the year.

While you're at it, clear away leaves, weeds, and debris around your outdoor condenser unit to improve airflow.

3. Replace Your HVAC Air Filters

One of the easiest and most overlooked maintenance tasks is replacing your HVAC filters.

Clean filters help:

• Improve indoor air quality

• Reduce dust throughout the home

• Improve system efficiency

• Extend the life of your furnace and air conditioner

Most homeowners should replace filters every 1-3 months depending on pets, allergies, and filter type.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Summer is a great reminder to test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm in your home.

Replace batteries if needed and make sure all alarms are functioning properly. These devices provide critical early warnings that help keep your family safe.

5. Test for Radon

Many homeowners don't realize that Utah consistently ranks among the states with elevated radon levels.

Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that can enter your home through cracks in the foundation. Long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

We recently helped a seller navigate a transaction where the buyer's radon test came back above the EPA's recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L. While the seller had lived in the home for years without concern, the buyer understandably wanted the issue addressed before moving forward.

The only way to know your home's radon level is to test for it.

At HŌM|EXP Realty, we have local connections that can help homeowners obtain a free radon test. Reach out if you'd like more information.

6. Clean Gutters and Check Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts play a major role in protecting your home's foundation.

Make sure:

• Gutters are free of leaves and debris

• Downspouts are securely attached

• Water is directed away from the foundation

• Extensions are installed if necessary

Water pooling around your foundation can lead to settlement issues, basement moisture problems, and costly repairs.

7. Check Grading Around Your Home

While inspecting your gutters, take a walk around your property.

The soil and landscaping around your home should slope away from the foundation. If water pools near your home after a storm or sprinkler cycle, you may need to adjust grading or add drainage solutions.

Proper drainage is one of the most important factors in protecting your foundation.

8. Remove Weeds and Vegetation Near the Foundation

Plants and weeds growing directly against your home can trap moisture, attract pests, and create opportunities for insects to enter.

Trim bushes, remove weeds, and keep landscaping properly maintained around the perimeter of your home.

This simple step improves curb appeal while helping protect your property.

9. Drain and Flush Your Water Heater

Over time, sediment builds up inside water heaters, especially in areas with hard water.

Draining and flushing your water heater annually can:

• Improve efficiency

• Extend the life of the unit

• Reduce energy costs

• Improve hot water performance

If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, a plumber can usually complete the service quickly.

10. Lubricate Garage Door Components

Your garage door is likely one of the largest moving systems in your home.

Apply garage-door-approved lubricant to:

• Hinges

• Rollers

• Springs

• Moving joints

This helps reduce wear and tear, minimizes noise, and can help prevent costly repairs down the road.

11. Inspect Windows and Doors for Air Leaks

Even during the summer, gaps around windows and doors can force your HVAC system to work harder than necessary.

Take a few minutes to inspect:

• Weather stripping

• Caulking around windows

• Door seals

• Visible gaps and cracks

Addressing small air leaks can improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and keep unwanted pests outside.

12. Find Out What Your Home Is Worth

Your home is likely one of your largest investments, and summer is a great time to check in on its value.

Even if you're not planning to move anytime soon, understanding your home's current market value can help you:

• Track equity growth

• Plan future renovations

• Prepare for refinancing opportunities

• Make informed financial decisions

• Understand your position in today's market

Many Utah homeowners are surprised to discover how much equity they've built over the past several years.

At HŌM, we're happy to provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) so you can better understand your home's value and how it compares to other homes in your area.

Bonus: Spend More Time Enjoying Summer

You've checked the sprinklers, serviced the A/C, cleaned the gutters, and tackled the maintenance checklist. Now here's one more tip that can make a big difference this summer.

Give yourself a break.

Between family vacations, kids' activities, yard work, and everything else on the calendar, finding time for deep cleaning can be difficult. Sometimes the best way to take care of your home is to let a trusted professional help.

That's why we're excited to share TidyCo. with our HŌM community.

TidyCo. is a locally owned cleaning company serving homeowners throughout Salt Lake County and Utah County. Their mission is simple:

"Spend more time with family. Worry less about the mess with TidyCo."

Whether you need recurring cleaning services, help catching up after a busy season, or simply want to free up a few hours on the weekend, their team provides customized cleaning solutions designed to fit your home's needs.

As a special offer for HŌM clients and friends, mention HŌM when you schedule your first cleaning and receive 10% off your first service this summer.

TidyCo. Cleaning Company
📞 801-716-9077
🌐 www.tidycoclean.com

Because summer memories are usually made with family and friends, not with a mop and vacuum.

We're Here to Help

Whether you need a free radon test, recommendations for trusted home service providers, or an updated home value analysis, our team is here to help.

At HŌM|EXP Realty, we believe homeownership doesn't stop at the closing table. We're committed to being a resource long after you've received the keys.

If you have questions about your home, your neighborhood, or the Utah real estate market, reach out anytime. We'd love to help.