Can you feel it already? The air’s getting thicker, the sun’s sticking around longer, and your thermostat’s creeping up before noon. That’s right, Texas summer is on its way, and if you live anywhere near Dallas, you know it doesn’t arrive quietly.
Before you head out for long weekends at the lake or fire up the grill for those family barbecues, your home needs a little TLC. A properly prepared house isn’t just more comfortable, it’s safer, more energy-efficient, and less prone to costly surprises when the temperatures soar.
This guide is your complete summer prep checklist, from indoor tweaks to outdoor maintenance. Let’s walk through everything you need to do to keep your home cool, your energy bills low, and your summer stress-free.
Inside the House
Create a Cool, Efficient Oasis
Your home should be your refuge from the blazing sun, but that only works if everything inside is prepped and performing. Start here to ensure your space stays comfortable even on the hottest Texas days.
1. Change the Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans are more than just decorative, they can reduce your cooling costs by circulating air effectively. In the summer, your fans should rotate counterclockwise, pushing air down and creating a wind-chill effect.
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Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise.
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Use fans alongside AC to boost efficiency.
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Turn them off in empty rooms to conserve energy.
2. Inspect Pipes, Hoses & Valves
Extreme heat and dry soil can cause plumbing materials to expand, contract, or shift, especially if your pipes are older. In peak season, this can lead to leaks or burst pipes.
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Check washing machine hoses and the outdoor faucets.
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Look for rust, swelling, or signs of cracking.
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Call a plumber if anything looks suspicious.
3. Improve Home Insulation
Insulation isn’t just for cold weather. Proper insulation helps keep cool air and hot air out, especially in the attic, which heats up rapidly in the summer.
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Inspect attic insulation or install radiant barriers.
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Use reflective paint additives on roofs and walls.
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Swap dark, heavy drapes for light, airy curtains to allow ventilation
4. Give Your Fridge Some Love
Your refrigerator is a workhorse; in Texas summers, it works overtime. Help it out by giving it a proper cleaning and seal check.
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Vacuum dust from the coils with a soft brush.
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Check and clean the rubber seals on the doors.
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Make sure it’s aligned with the airflow clearance behind it.
5. Maintain Your Washer & Dryer
In the summer, extra clothes, towels, and bedding can overload your laundry machines. Keep them running safely and efficiently with these quick checks.
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Clean lint from dryer seals and inspect washer seals for mold.
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Lower dryer heat settings to reduce fire risk.
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Schedule a pro to deep-clean the vents and washer filter.
6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Don’t wait for your AC to give up in July. An HVAC check-up ensures everything runs smoothly before you need it.
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Replace or clean air filters.
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Check refrigerant levels and blower performance.
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Confirm that your thermostat is calibrated correctly.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats offer precise climate control and let you cool your home efficiently, even when you're not home.
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Set daily cooling schedules.
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Adjust temperature remotely via mobile app.s
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Track energy usage for long-term savings.
Outside the House
Protect Your Property from the Elements
The exterior of your home is your first defense against the brutal Texas summer. Inspecting and maintaining it now will prevent issues down the road, and keep your curb appeal intact.
8. Clean Out Gutters
Summer storms and spring debris can clog your gutters, leading to water damage, roof leaks, and even foundation issues.
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Remove leaves, twigs, and buildup from gutters and downspouts.
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Test flow with a hose to ensure proper drainage.
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Repair or reseal any cracked or sagging sections.
9. Repair and Refresh Your Siding
The sun, wind, and storms damage your siding. Check for damage and consider upgrading to energy-efficient materials.
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Look for mold, rot, cracks, or faded paint.
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Power wash or repaint areas that look worn.
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Upgrade to insulated vinyl or fiber cement for better protection.
10. Inspect Your Roof (Safely)
Your roof absorbs most of the sun’s heat. Don’t climb up, use binoculars from a safe distance to spot issues.
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Look for curling, missing, or cracked shingles.
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Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
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Schedule a pro for repairs before the hottest days hit.
11. Improve Roof Ventilation
An overheated attic can dramatically raise indoor temperatures and overwork your AC. Ensure your ventilation system is doing its job.
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Make sure existing roof vents are clear of debris.
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Install passive vents or solar attic fans for added airflow.
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Ask a contractor about adding a whole-house fan.
12. Get Your Grill and Patio Summer-Ready
Summers are for outdoor dining and entertaining, but not without some prep first.
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Clean your grill grates and test gas lines or ignition switches.
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Wash patio cushions, wipe furniture, and check lighting.
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Add citronella candles or torches to keep mosquitoes away.
Have a Pool? Here's How to Keep It Summer-Ready
If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, you already know it can be a lifesaver during the Texas heat. But keeping it clean, safe, and efficient requires some prep work, especially before the summer crowds (or kids!) dive in.
Balance Your Water Chemistry
Maintaining the right pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels isn’t just about sparkling water, it protects swimmers and your pool equipment too.
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Test your pool water weekly using strips or a test kit.
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Adjust pH to stay between 7.2–7.6.
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Keep chlorine levels between 1.0–3.0 ppm for sanitation.
Clean and Inspect the Pool Filter
Your filter keeps out leaves, bugs, and debris and works hard when the pool is used daily. Start the season fresh.
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Backwash or clean the filter cartridges regularly.
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Replace filters if they’re more than 2–3 years old.
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Remove large debris from skimmers daily.
Run the Pump During the Hottest Hours
Your pool pump should circulate water 8–12 hours daily, especially during high temperatures to prevent algae buildup and keep water moving.
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Set timers to run during the day’s hottest periods.
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Adjust for extra runtime after heavy pool use or storms.
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Consider a variable-speed pump to save on energy bills.
Check for Cracks, Leaks, and Pool Deck Damage
Winter’s cooler weather may have caused expansion or small cracks in your pool structure or decking.
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Inspect tiles, plaster, and coping for damage.
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Repair small cracks before they worsen.
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Ensure the deck is level and free of slippery mold.
Stock Up on Pool Essentials
The last thing you want is to run out of supplies during a heatwave. Now’s the time to take inventory and stock up.
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Chlorine tablets, shock, pH increasers/decreasers.
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Test kits, skimmer nets, replacement hoses.
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Sunscreen and floaties, of course!
Bonus Upgrades for a Cooler, Smarter Summer
Need a little extra edge in battling the heat? Try these home enhancements that offer big results.
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Seal air leaks with weatherstripping around windows and doors.
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Add awnings or UV-blocking films to south-facing windows.
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Replace old windows with triple-pane, argon-filled, low-e models.
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Plant trees and shrubs to shade your home naturally.
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Install blackout or thermal curtains in key rooms.
Don’t Let Summer Catch You Off Guard
Are you prepared for the Texas summer?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re heading to a much cooler, safer, and more efficient season. Prepping your home now means fewer surprises later, and more time to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Whether you’re just swapping your curtains or upgrading your whole HVAC system, every step you take makes a difference. Stay cool, stay ready, and let your home do the hard work this summer.
