Summer home maintenance checklist for NZ homes

Check the heat pump is cooling properly

Switch to cooling mode on the first warm day and make sure it blows noticeably cold air and the outdoor unit runs without rattling. Clean the filters if you didn't in spring. If it struggles, book a service now — technicians get booked out once a heatwave hits.

Block the sun before it gets in

Close curtains and blinds on sunny windows during the day, especially west-facing ones in the afternoon. External shading — awnings, shade sails, deciduous trees — works better than anything inside the glass. Open up at night to let cool air through.

Clean ceiling fans and check window stays

Wipe the dust off fan blades before switching them on, and set them to spin anticlockwise (looking up) to push air down. Check window security stays work so you can leave windows open for airflow without leaving them wide open.

Give the BBQ a proper clean and safety check

Scrape the grill and empty the grease tray — built-up fat is the most common cause of barbecue flare-ups. Check the gas bottle's test date (bottles are valid for 10 years from the stamp and can't be refilled once expired) and do a soapy-water leak test on the hose and connections.

Keep the pool barrier compliant

With more people around, check the gate self-closes and latches every time, and that no chairs, chilly bins or toys have been left where a child could climb the fence. Never prop the gate open, even for a few minutes.

Know your fire season rules

Dry summers push many areas into restricted or prohibited fire seasons, sometimes with little notice. That can include fire pits, braziers and some outdoor cookers. Check checkitsalright.nz before lighting anything outdoors, and keep a hose connected and ready.

Keep sun protection where people use it

New Zealand's summer UV is high enough to burn quickly, even on cloudy days. Keep sunscreen by the back door and in the car, and make sure shade is set up for kids playing outside in the middle of the day.

Keep gutters and drains clear

A summer downpour on blocked gutters overflows straight into walls and ceilings. Check gutters, downpipes and any surface drains or sumps around the house, especially if you didn't clear them in spring.

Know what to tie down

Trampolines, outdoor furniture, umbrellas and shade sails can become projectiles in strong wind. Know where you'll put them, and take shade sails down when a severe weather warning is issued — they put huge loads on the posts and house.

Check your emergency supplies

Power and water can be off for days after a big storm. Civil Defence recommends storing at least three litres of drinking water per person per day, for at least three days. Check torches and batteries work, and that you have a way to charge phones without power.

Water early, deep and less often

Water in the early morning so less evaporates, and give plants a good soak a couple of times a week rather than a sprinkle every day — it pushes roots deeper. Mulch garden beds to hold moisture in.

Check for council water restrictions

Many councils limit sprinklers and hoses during dry spells, and restrictions can change week to week. Check your council's website, and set the irrigation controller to match any allowed days and times.

Look after outdoor furniture and the deck

Strong UV dries out timber and fades cushions. Oil timber furniture if it looks grey and thirsty, and store cushions out of the sun when not in use. Hose down the deck so dirt doesn't grind into the finish.

Make the house look occupied

• Ask a neighbour to collect mail and parcels, or arrange a mail hold with NZ Post.
• Put a couple of lights on timers.
• Ask someone to put your bins out and bring them back in.
• Don't post your travel plans publicly on social media until you're home.

Reduce the risk of leaks and fires

Turn off the washing machine taps, unplug appliances you won't need, and empty the fridge of anything that will spoil if the power drops out. If you're away for a long time, consider turning off the water at the mains.

Check your insurance for empty-house rules

Many home insurance policies limit cover if the house is left unoccupied for an extended period. Check your policy wording before a long trip, and tell your insurer if you'll be away longer than it allows.

Leave key details with someone you trust

If something happens while you're away — a burst pipe, a break-in, a storm — the person checking on the house needs to know who to call. Leave them your insurer, a plumber and electrician, how to turn off the water and power, and how to reach you.