August Maintenance Guide

This article originally appeared on Porch.com

Written by Anne Reagan

August is a great month to enjoy the last part of summer. Days are hot, flowers are in bloom, and many people choose August as the perfect month to leave on one last summer holiday before the busy fall begins. If you enjoy working in the garden, you’ll find that August is a great time of year to harvest fruits and vegetables, trim back foliage and tend the soil. Watering may be occupying much of your time. You’ll want to read our tips about water conservation and ways to save water in the yard. If you have a swimming pool in your yard, or live near a body of water, be sure all of your guests know swimming safety basics. Sadly, children have a high rate of drowning or injuries related to swimming, and many of these incidents can be preventable. Read our swimming safety tips here.

Inside the home you might find it to be a good time to get organized before the fall. Cleaning out closets, donating unused items, and really cleaning under the bed can be a great way to get a handle on clutter. You might also want to make a “honey do” list of all the things around the home you haven’t had time to do. Hanging pictures, fixing a dripping faucet (watch our how-to video here), purchasing new water filters for the refrigerator….the list can sometime feel long. Take the time to find professionals in your area that can help you get these tasks done before the weather turns and days feel shorter. This is also a great time of year to book your winter-related professionals now like chimney sweeps, attic insulation specialists and tree trimmers. Put them on the calendar now and you’ll start the fall season feeling organized.

Here are some other tasks you can do this month:

Exterior

Check roof and replace loose/missing/damaged shingles
Replace any missing mortar (if your home is made of brick)
Seal chimney to prevent small animals from entering
Check AC refrigerant levels. If levels are low it could indicate a leak.
Repair cracks in your driveway/sidewalk
Locate & block any animal-accessible attic vents
Clean any mold/mildew growing on siding

Interior

Check/replace air conditioning filters
Check and replace humidifier filters
Turn the lead edge of fan blades downwards to push cooled air down
Clear out hair/other debris from sink & tub drains
Vacuum coils behind refrigerator

Landscaping

Continue to mow frequently and high to discourage weeds
Keep up with watering (in the morning is best)
Inspect your irrigation system for damaged sprinkler heads
Turn the compost pile and add water if necessary
Repair fences or gates
Trim trees in preparation for winter storms

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