As much as we all love those long, relaxing summer days, it’s also uniquely satisfying to spend time putting sweat equity into your home. If you aren’t sure where to start, these are the best tasks to tackle in August so you can enjoy your indoor and outdoor spaces all year.

Switch up your ceiling fans

Did you know you’re actually supposed to run your ceiling fans counterclockwise when it gets hot outside? Changing from the clockwise winter rotation keeps cool air close to the floor rather than pushing it up to the ceiling where it doesn’t actually provide relief from the heat. This is also a good time to clean and tighten the blades for better operation and improved air quality.

Vacuum out the air ducts

All that spring pollen doesn’t go away automatically when summer rolls around. Instead, it collects in your home’s air ducts along with other allergens such as chemical residue, mold, dust, and pet dander. These irritants are recirculated through the HVAC system and released into the air your family breathes. Over time, contaminants in the air ducts can even cause or exacerbate symptoms of asthma, allergies, and autoimmune and respiratory conditions. Professional duct cleaning each summer can prevent these issues and improve the air quality in your home. At the same time, consider scheduling a dryer vent cleaning. Removing accumulated lint and debris not only allows these appliances to work more effectively but also prevents a serious fire hazard.

Test your detectors

Be sure to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as needed. At least once a year, test the alarms to make sure they’re working correctly. If the alert isn’t as loud or responsive as it should be, it’s time for new batteries. Spending less than five minutes on this summer safety task can give you peace of mind throughout the year (not to mention prevent the annoying midnight beeps that wake you up when the battery dies).

Pressure wash your property

Before you start spending time outside, get your surfaces sparkling with a quick and easy pressure wash. You can rent the necessary equipment to blast years of accumulated dirt, debris, and discoloration from your home’s siding, hardscaping features, fencing, deck, patio, driveway, and sidewalk. Can you say instant curb appeal? Finish the job with a few fresh perennials for a pretty pop of color.

Clear out the gutters

While cleaning your home’s gutters isn’t just a once-a-year task, you should schedule time to climb the ladder before you get a big summer storm. While you’re up there, clear out leaves, twigs, and other materials that can keep water from flowing away from your roof. If the gutters get jammed, you run the risk of water leaks inside your home, which can create serious mold and mildew issues. In just a few hours, these steps can help you boost your home’s health and safety status while revitalizing your property’s appearance.