Let me tell you something about Orlando summers. They’re rough. Really rough.
I’ve been fixing homes here for over 15 years. Every July, my phone rings off the hook. “My AC died!” “Water’s coming through my roof!” “Help!”
You know what? Most of these problems could have been prevented. Smart summer home maintenance saves you big headaches later.
Warmer weather hits Orlando hard. Your house works during our brutal summers. Temperatures hit 95°F every day. Humidity makes you sweat just walking to your mailbox. Then boom – afternoon storms dump inches of rain in minutes.
This summer home maintenance guide will help you take care of your Orlando home. I’ll share what I’ve learned from thousands of service calls. We’ll cover the must-do tasks that keep your family comfortable and your finances in good shape.
What You’ll Learn Here
✅ Must-do summer tasks – The ones that really matter for Orlando homes
✅ Month-by-month plan – Spread the work so it’s not overwhelming
✅ Storm prep basics – Get ready before hurricanes hit
✅ DIY vs. call a pro – Know when to save money and when to call us
✅ Home maintenance tips – Real cost savings that actually cut your bills
Why Summer Care Matters So Much in Orlando
Orlando isn’t like other places. Our summers are special. And by special, I mean they’ll beat up your house if you’re not ready.
Here’s what makes us different. We experience three months of relentless heat. Days over 90°F from June through August. Nights that barely cool down. Your AC runs 15 hours a day, easily.
Then there’s the humidity. Step outside, and it hits you like a wet blanket. This moisture gets into everything. Wood warps. Metal rusts. Mold grows in corners you didn’t even know existed.
Don’t forget hurricane season. It runs the whole summer. June 1st through November 30th. These storms don’t mess around. I’ve seen beautiful homes turn into insurance claims overnight.
What Orlando Weather Does to Your House
Let me break down the real challenges:
The Heat is Brutal
- Your roof gets to 160°F on hot days
- Shingles crack and curl up
- Siding expands and contracts all day long
- Your AC unit sits outside in this oven
- Constant heat causes serious wear and tear on all exterior materials
Humidity is Everywhere
- Gets into your walls and insulation
- Perfect for mold and mildew
- Makes your house feel hotter than it is
- Puts an extra load on your cooling system
- Creates wear and tear on wood, metal, and fabric materials
Storms Hit Hard
- 60% of summer days bring thunderstorms
- Winds over 50 mph are common
- Lightning strikes more here than almost anywhere
- Hail can destroy a roof in minutes
Problems I See Every Summer
After 15 years of emergency calls, I know what breaks first:
Air Conditioners Give Up. This is my #1 call every summer. Your system runs constantly. Filters clog up fast. Parts wear out. I’ve seen $5,000 systems die because nobody changed a $15 filter.
A well-kept AC uses 20% less power. It also lasts years longer. The difference? Basic care.
Roofs Start Leaking: Orlando’s Sun and Storms Are Roof Killers. UV light makes shingles brittle. Then storms blow them off.
I’ve watched homeowners spend $15,000 on new roofs. The funny thing? Most could’ve been saved with $300 of yearly care.
Mold Moves In. High humidity means mold problems. Bathrooms. Closets. Under sinks. Once it starts, it spreads fast. And it’s not just ugly – it’s unhealthy.
Pool Equipment Dies. Your pool pump runs all year here. Summer is when it works hardest. Pumps overheat. Chemical systems fail. Deck surfaces crack from heat.
Your Essential Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Here’s what matters for Orlando homes. I’ve ranked these by importance—safety first, then the stuff that saves you money.
Taking Care of Your AC System
Your air conditioner is the most important thing in your house during summer. Period. When it breaks in July, you’re miserable. And getting it fixed? Good luck finding someone fast.
Change Filters Every Month. This is huge. Orlando’s pollen and dust clog filters super fast. A dirty filter makes your system work 30% harder.
Here’s what I tell customers: Buy filters in bulk. Set a phone reminder for the first day of each month. Keep extras on hand. Never, ever run your system without one.
Keep Your Outside Unit Happy. That big metal box outside your house? It needs help.
Clear all plants and junk away from it. At least 3 feet in every direction. Hose off the coils once a month. Turn the power off first – safety matters.
If the unit isn’t level, call us. Crooked units break expensive parts.
Watch for Water Problems. Your AC produces a significant amount of water due to humidity. This water needs to drain away. If it doesn’t, you’ll have big problems.
Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain pipe once a month. It stops algae from clogging things up. Check for standing water around your inside unit. That means trouble.
Get Professional Service. Schedule your tune-up in April or May before everyone needs emergency service.
A good tech will check your refrigerant. Test electrical connections. Clean the parts you can’t reach. It costs $200-300. It can save you thousands.
Roof and Gutter Care
Your roof takes a beating here. Constant sun during the day. Storms at night. It needs attention.
Check for Problems. Look at your roof from the ground. Use binoculars if you have them. Don’t climb up there – that’s dangerous.
Look for loose or missing shingles. Curled edges. Exposed nail heads. Dark streaks from algae. Take pictures of problems for your insurance company.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts cause expensive damage. Water backs up. Gets under your roof. Rots wood. Creates mold.
Clean your gutters and downspouts before the start of storm season. Again in mid-summer. Verify that your downspouts function properly and direct water away from your foundation. Downspouts should be positioned at least 6 feet away from your house. If they don’t, extend them with flexible extensions.
Trim Your Trees. Dead branches become missiles in storms. Trim anything hanging over your roof. Big trees near your house? Hire a pro. It’s worth it.
Outside Maintenance to Boost Curb Appeal
Power Wash Everything: Orlando’s humidity fosters mold and algae growth on everything. Your house. Driveway. Walkway. Pool area.
Pressure washing every 2-3 months keeps surfaces looking great. Use the correct pressure – excessive pressure can damage surfaces. Clean outdoor furniture monthly. A clean walkway and driveway make a massive difference in your home’s appearance.
Maintain Your Outdoor Space. Your Outdoor Space needs regular attention in Orlando’s climate. Clean patio furniture. Check deck boards for loose screws. Outdoor Space maintenance keeps your home’s exterior looking great and prevents minor problems from becoming expensive repairs.
Check Paint and Caulk. Our sun fades paint fast. Humidity makes caulk shrink and crack. Minor problems become big ones quickly.
Touch up paint spots right away. Re-caulk around windows and doors. Fresh weatherstripping keeps cool air in and hot air out. Check the weatherstripping on all exterior doors and windows; replace it if it’s cracked or missing.
Test Outdoor Electrical. Summer storms can be harsh on outdoor outlets and lights. Test everything monthly. Make sure GFCI outlets work. Replace anything that looks damaged.
Electrical problems near water are dangerous. If you’re not sure, call us at 321-424-8590.
Inside Your House
Test Safety Equipment: Test smoke detectors monthly. Change batteries at the start of summer. Check fire extinguishers. Make sure they’re charged and accessible.
Lightning strikes are common here. Working detectors save lives.
Fix Leaky Pipes: Check faucets, toilets, and visible pipes for leaks. Look for drips, rust, or mineral buildup. One dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons of water each year.
Our hard water is harsh on plumbing. Regular checks catch problems early.
Control Indoor Humidity: Buy a simple humidity meter. Keep levels between 30% and 50%. Higher than that, and mold grows.
Run exhaust fans during showers. Clean them monthly, as they tend to collect dust quickly. Use your ceiling fan to help circulate air and make rooms feel cooler. A clean ceiling fan can make your home feel 3-4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat setting and save money.
Monthly Summer Schedule
Let’s break this down by month. It makes the work manageable.
June: Get Ready for the Long Haul
June marks the start of both hurricane season and the peak of the heat. Get prepared now.
AC Preparation
- Schedule your professional tune-up
- Change filters and buy extras for summer
- Test your system for several hours
- Clean outdoor coils thoroughly
Hurricane Prep
- Update your emergency kit
- Test generators and buy fuel
- Take photos of your house for insurance
- Check storm shutters
Pool and Outdoor Prep
- Service pool equipment before heavy use
- Clean and seal deck surfaces
- Service outdoor grills and furniture
July: Peak Heat Management
July is our hottest month. Systems work their hardest now.
System Care
- Change the AC filter mid-month
- Monitor your electric bill for spikes
- Check the outdoor unit clearance
- Test backup power if you have it
Outside Work: Do this early morning (6-9 AM) when it’s cooler:
- Pressure washing exterior surfaces
- Fix paint problems before they get worse
- Check deck boards and railings
- Weed flower beds and landscape areas – summer heat exacerbates weed problems quickly.
Humidity Control
- Run dehumidifiers in problem areas
- Keep indoor humidity below 50%
- Make sure exhaust fans work properly
- Clean your ceiling fan blades – dusty fans don’t move air efficiently
August: Final Preparations
August brings peak hurricane risk and maximum heat stress.
AC Check-Up
- Second filter change of summer
- Check refrigerant lines for damage
- Clean the condensate drains again
- Watch for unusual noises or performance
Storm Season Prep
- Refresh emergency supplies
- Charge all electronic devices
- Take updated photos for insurance
- Plan your evacuation route
Final Inspections
- Last roof check before storm season
- Test outdoor electrical systems
- Secure anything that could blow around
Getting Ready for Hurricanes
Hurricane season runs all summer here. You can’t ignore it.
I’ve worked on storm cleanup. It’s heartbreaking. Families lose everything because they weren’t ready. Don’t let that be you.
Outside Storm Prep
Storm Shutters: If you have them, test them now. Make sure they fit correctly. Practice putting them up. You don’t want to figure this out in 40 mph winds.
Don’t have shutters? Get plywood cut to size for each window. Label each piece. Store them in a location where you can easily access them.
Secure Your Stuff. Everything outside becomes a flying weapon in hurricane winds. Patio furniture. Grills. Decorations. Pool equipment.
Make a list of what goes where. Practice moving things inside. Winds as low as 40 mph can turn a chair into a missile.
Tree Care: Dead trees can cause harm in storms. Hire a certified tree service to remove dangerous ones. It’s expensive, but it’s cheaper than a damaged house.
Trim healthy trees, too. Less wind resistance means they’re more likely to survive.
Inside Storm Prep
Power and Communication Test generators monthly. Keep fuel fresh. Never run generators inside – carbon monoxide kills.
Charge everything. Phones, tablets, power banks, radios. Have battery backups for medical equipment.
Water and Food Store: one gallon of water per person per day. Plan for two weeks minimum. That’s 56 gallons for a family of four.
Stock food that doesn’t need cooking. Manual can opener. Paper plates and cups.
Important Papers: Put original documents in waterproof containers. Insurance papers. ID. Medical records. Bank info.
Take photos of valuable items. Store them in the cloud where you can access them anywhere.
When to Call the Pros
I’m in business because some jobs need professional help. Know when to call us and when to save your money.
Never Do These Yourself
Electrical Work: Florida law requires licensed electricians for most electrical work. DIY electrical work can kill you. It can also void your insurance.
Pool electrical is especially dangerous. Water and electricity don’t mix.
Major AC Repairs: Refrigerant work requires federal certification. You can’t buy the refrigerant without it. Plus, mistakes damage expensive equipment.
Roof Work Falls kill more construction workers than anything else. Your roof is high and steep. Shingles are slippery. Let us handle it.
Gas Lines: Gas leaks cause explosions. This work requires special training and tools. Always call a pro.
Safe DIY Projects
You can handle these safely:
- Changing AC filters
- Basic cleaning and washing
- Simple caulking projects
- Pool chemical testing
- Landscape maintenance
When in Doubt, ask. Call us for a consultation. We’ll honestly tell you what you can handle and what needs professional help. We’d rather keep you safe than make a quick buck.
How to Choose Contractors
Check licenses through the state website. Verify insurance. Get references and actually call them.
Avoid door-to-door contractors, especially after storms. Many are scams.
Get multiple quotes for big jobs. But remember – cheap isn’t always better. Quality work costs more upfront but saves money in the long term.
Budget Planning That Actually Works
Let’s talk money. Good maintenance costs less than emergency repairs. A lot less.
What to Spend Each Year
Plan to spend 1-3% of your home’s value on home care yearly. For a $300,000 home, that’s $3,000 to $ 9,000.
Sounds like a lot? Emergency AC replacement costs $5,000-$ 8,000. New roof? $15,000-25,000. Prevention is cheaper.
Smart home improvement projects also add value. A well-maintained home typically sells faster and for a higher price. Home care isn’t just an expense – it’s an investment. When you’re ready to sell your home, maintaining proper records and keeping your property well-maintained can add thousands to your selling price.
Monthly Savings Plan
Set aside $200-$ 300 per month for home maintenance. Set up an automatic transfer to a separate account. You won’t miss it if you don’t see it.
Use this money for:
- Annual AC service ($200-300)
- Filter replacements ($100-150)
- Hurricane supplies ($300-500)
- Emergency repairs ($500-1,000)
Maintenance Contracts vs. One-Time Service
I offer maintenance contracts because they save customers money. Here’s how:
Annual Contract Benefits:
- Guaranteed service before peak season
- Priority scheduling for emergencies
- Discounted repair rates
- Detailed inspections that catch problems early
Typical Savings:
- AC tune-ups: Save $100-200 yearly
- Emergency calls: Save $75-150 per call
- Parts discounts: Save $200-500 yearly
Most customers save $800-$ 1,500 per year with contracts. Plus, they get better service and fewer surprises.
Common Questions I Get
How often should I change my air conditioner (AC) filter in the summer?
Every 30 days, minimum. Orlando’s pollen and dust are brutal. I tell customers with pets or allergies to check every two weeks.
Dirty filters make your system work 25% harder. They also damage expensive parts. Here’s my top home maintenance tip: A $15 filter can save you thousands.
What’s the most important summer maintenance task?
AC maintenance, hands down. It’s 60-70% of your summer electric bill. When it breaks, you’re miserable until we can fix it.
Get professional service in spring. Change filters monthly. Keep the outdoor unit clean. These simple steps prevent most problems.
When should I get my AC serviced?
April or May, before everyone else needs help. We’re busy, but not overly so. You get better service and often better prices.
Wait until June? You might wait weeks for service. Wait until July when it breaks? You’re looking at emergency rates and long waits.
How do I prepare for hurricane season?
Start in May. Update your emergency kit. Test generators. Take insurance photos. Get storm shutters ready.
Don’t wait until a storm is coming. Stores sell out of supplies. Contractors get booked solid. Plywood disappears.
What can I do myself vs. hiring a pro?
Simple stuff is fine for DIY. Filter changes. Basic cleaning. Minor caulking. Pool chemical testing.
Call pros for electrical, gas, major plumbing, roofing, or complex AC repairs. Florida law requires it for most of this work anyway.
How much should I budget for summer maintenance?
$1,500-3,500 yearly for the average Orlando home. That covers AC service, filter changes, hurricane prep, pool care, and minor repairs.
Sounds like a lot? Emergency AC replacement costs more than two years of maintenance. Good prevention pays for itself.
How does maintenance lower my bills?
Clean filters improve airflow. Sealed ducts keep cool air inside. Proper insulation reduces cooling load. Smart thermostats optimize schedules.
Good home care can cut cooling costs 20-30%. For a $300 summer bill, that’s a $60-$ 90 monthly savings. $500-700 saved each summer.
Home maintenance tip: The money you save on energy bills often covers the cost of maintenance itself.
Time to Take Action
Orlando summers don’t give you a break. They’re hot, humid, and full of storms. Your house needs help to handle all this.
The good news? Small efforts now prevent big problems later. Change filters monthly. Schedule AC service early. Prepare for storms before they hit. Address small issues before they escalate into costly disasters.
Most of this work isn’t hard. It just needs to be done regularly. Set reminders on your phone. Make it routine. Your future self will thank you when your neighbors are dealing with emergency repairs and you’re staying cool.
Some jobs need professional help. Don’t risk your safety or your home’s value on work you’re not qualified to do. We’re here when you need us.
But whether you do it yourself or hire help, don’t wait. Start your summer home maintenance plan today. Your family’s comfort and your wallet both depend on it.
Need professional help with your summer home maintenance? TJ Handyman Services knows Orlando homes inside and out. We’ve been helping families stay comfortable and safe for over 15 years.
Call us at 321-424-8590 or visit www.tjhandymanservicesllc.com to schedule your summer home maintenance services. Let’s keep your home in great shape all season long.
