Indoors

• Check the walls and woodwork. Repaint dark woodwork with a brighter color.
• Make a list of anything that needs painting or staining.
• Have your air conditioner or evaporative cooler serviced and replace all filters.
• Have ducts and vents professionally cleaned.
• Identify the small things like leaky faucets or loose cabinet doors. Have a handyman make all repairs at the same time to avoid multiple visits.
• Clean or replace grout or caulk in bathrooms.
• Have carpets professionally cleaned.
• If you have ice dams on your roof in winter, call a contractor to install new roof vents.
• Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• An attic or whole house fan might be an appropriate solution for drawing warm air from the lower levels of your home.

Outdoors

• Inspect the entire exterior of your house.
• On wood siding and trim, look for paint that is lifting or peeling, for splitting wood or areas where the wood grain is separating ("checking") from water getting into the wood.
• Having a professional painter waterproof and paint your house now will fill gaps and help your wood siding and trim last longer, saving you money in the long run.
• On stucco, if you can rub a chalky residue onto your hand, oxidation of the paint or color coat is reducing the stucco's insulating value.
• Sweep off all spider webs and dirt from the exterior window sills and clean the glass.
• Remove storm windows or doors, and replace with clean screens.
• Power wash, sand and reseal your deck before it is exposed to the heat.
• Replace splintered or worn deck boards.
• If you are thinking of adding a porch or deck, now is the time to call a professional.
• Make plans to install a new sprinkler system or walkway.
• Spread mulch around shrubs and flowerbeds for a clean looking yard.
• Remove debris that may have settled in gutters during winter.
• Ensure that the downspouts are directing water away from the foundation of your house.
• Check the roof for loose or damaged shingles and contact a roofing contractor for repairs.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com