Spring into Summer: Your Nest Maintenance Checklist
Nest DC
As mid-spring arrives in the DMV, it's time to prepare your home for the seasonal shift from spring to summer. Being proactive with home maintenance now can prevent headaches later when the summer heat kicks in.
From the property management experts at Nest DC, here's our recommended Spring-to-Summer Transition Checklist to keep your nest in good shape. Scroll to the bottom for a quick reference guide.
Home Exterior
Take advantage of pleasant spring days to get your property summer-ready.
Focus on:
- Spring damage assessment: Check for any winter-to-spring transition issues like foundation cracks, loose siding, or damaged walkways that may have appeared during spring thaws and rains
- Gutter maintenance: Clear pollen, seed pods, and spring debris from gutters and downspouts before summer storms arrive
- Early booking: Schedule exterior painting and repair professionals now while their calendars still have availability - by June, the best contractors will be booked solid through summer
Pro Tip: Mid-April to early May is the perfect time to book professional services for summer projects. Getting on the schedule now means you'll beat the summer rush when demand (and often prices) peak.
- Lawn and garden preparation: Apply pre-emergent weed control, fertilize as needed, and prepare irrigation systems before intense summer heat arrives
- Window and screen inspection: Clean windows and check screens for winter damage; repair or replace damaged screens before opening windows becomes a daily necessity
- Deck and patio revival: Clean, seal, and repair outdoor living spaces now so they're ready for those first backyard gatherings. Check for loose boards, popped nails, and surfaces that need refinishing after winter exposure.
Home Interior
The transition period between seasons is crucial for indoor maintenance.
Prioritize:
- HVAC summer-readiness: Schedule your AC system's summer tune-up. Technicians have more availability now than during the first heatwave when everyone calls at once.
- Filter strategy: Replace your HVAC filters now, and stock up on extras for more frequent changes during high-humidity summer months when systems run constantly.
- Ceiling fan preparation: Clean fan blades and check that fans are running counter-clockwise to create a cooling downdraft effect for summer.
- Humidity control planning: Check dehumidifiers and consider where additional units might be needed during DC's notoriously humid summer months.
Pro Tip: Testing your AC system now, before temperatures consistently hit the 80s and 90s, gives you time to address any issues before you really need cool air. Don't wait until the first heatwave!
Preventative maintenance during this transition period keeps your nest comfortable and ready for summer! Happy homes make for happy residents who cultivate strong local communities that sustain our region. For detailed summer maintenance advice, check out our Summer Maintenance Checklist once the season is in full swing!
Quick Checklist for Spring-to-Summer Transition
- Schedule AC tune-up before the summer rush
- Clean and check gutters before summer storms
- Inspect exterior for spring damage
- Replace HVAC filters
- Book professional services for summer projects now
- Clean and reverse ceiling fans
- Check and repair window screens
- Prepare outdoor living spaces
- Test irrigation systems and plan water-saving strategies
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (seasonal battery change)
