Summertime is thought of as a carefree season. But if you’re a homeowner, you’ll know that there’s no rest for the weary. Neglecting your property maintenance now can create bigger problems later on. So in between soaking in the sun and cooling off in the air conditioning, you’ll want to make a list of tasks to prioritize. If you take care of these maintenance jobs this summer, you’ll have a much easier time when the leaves and snow begin to fall.

Clear Out Your Gutters

Rain gutters may have been invented in the early 1900s, but we still rely on them today to divert water. Gutter clean-up is probably on your checklist for fall and spring, but it’s a good idea to attend to your gutters during the summer, as well. Since summer is notorious for thunderstorms, you’ll want to complete this task now rather than later. Although 93% of American homeowners have basic homeowners insurance, these policies don’t protect you in the event of flooding and certain types of water damage. If you let the gunk in your gutters build up for too long, you might end up paying a lot more to fix the problem down the road. Also, don’t forget about to clean out your gutters above metal garages and keep them looking great!

Clean Your Fans and Filters

Speaking of not letting build-up wreak havoc on your life… you’ll definitely want to take care to eliminate debris, particularly where your cooling system is concerned. Dust, dander, and dirt build up in carpets over time (which is why they should be professionally cleaned at least once a year) and will undeniably start to gather on your HVAC filters and overhead fan blades, so do yourself a favor and make a point of cleaning these areas regularly. Your HVAC filters should be changed at least once per month. During the hottest time of the year, the last thing you’ll want is to have dirty air circulating through your home or neglect the tasks that could result in inefficient cooling.

Spruce Up Your Landscaping

Now that you’re spending more time outside, it’s an excellent time to tend to your green space. Not only can well-maintained trees and shrubs increase property value by up to 14%, but ensuring you have shade can keep you comfortable and even decrease cooling costs, in some cases. You’ll also want to take some time to clear out any debris you’ve allowed to let sit on your property. Pests are often drawn to debris piles, so unless you want to deal with bug bites and possible infestations, you’ll want to start clearing out any yard debris now. Be sure to add mulch to your flower beds to lock in moisture and water your garden regularly to keep those plants thriving.

Seal Your Driveway and Deck

Summer is also a great time to seal. Although a properly installed gravel driveway can last anywhere from three to 10 years with regular upkeep, you’ll need professional maintenance help if your driveway is made of asphalt. You should aim to seal your driveway every few years — and since it takes a few days, you’ll want to check the forecast to ensure there’s no rain on the way. Not even the best carport can keep your driveway totally dry for resealing. If you have a deck, you’ll want to seal it during this season, too. If the moisture is starting to soak into the wood, your family barbecues and pool parties may not pan out the way you want. Take a few days to get this job done, as well, so that your get-togethers can happen as scheduled.

Although home maintenance tasks may not be your favorite, it’s all part of property ownership. By getting these jobs out of the way now, you’ll have a relatively stress-free summer and a much easier time once the seasons change.