Spend some lazy summertime days catching up on home maintenance chores that can prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep home systems humming.

First, schedule HVAC maintenance and make sure your air conditioning unit is ready to handle the summer heat. If you didn’t get around to preparing your roof for El Niño, do it now. Inspect your roof for any loose, missing, or damaged shingles or rotten roof decking and repair or replace where necessary.

Examine plumbing pipes that vent through the roof for gaps or cracks in sealant. Check for loose chimney bricks and mortar, and inspect for rusted metal parts and flashing.

Summer is a great time to work on your home’s energy efficiency so that you can keep the heat out and utility bills low. Begin by checking your windows and doors for air leaks. Add or replace cracked weather-stripping if you feel air leaking through. Inspect window caulking for any cracks or leaks and replace if needed.

Spruce up the deck. Prepare your patio or deck for summertime BBQ’s and make sure guests will be safe. See if there are any broken or rotting boards, supports, or steps that should be replaced. Stain or seal your deck to make it look like new and guard against the summer sun.

Flush your water heater. Especially in areas with hard water, sediment can build up in the bottom of the water heater and make it difficult for the heater to do its job. It may amount to an extra 40 gallons or so of water use under drought restrictions, but pros say if you do it once a year, your water heater will last twice as long.

Broken or leaky appliances can put a damper on summer party plans. Clogged coils will make your refrigerator work harder than necessary and raise the electric bill.

Unplug your refrigerator and use your vacuum’s crevice tool or a coil cleaning brush attachment to vacuum out the coils. Check your dishwasher for any leaks or backed up water, then deodorize and give it a deep clean by adding a cup of vinegar to a cycle.

Empty and clean the filter with soap and water.

Check your washing machine hoses for any bulges, cracks, or leaks, and replace if needed. Once a year, you should clear out your dryer hose and exterior vent or have a professional do the job.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora 626 926-9700 • adrianad@podley.com