August Maintenance - Southwest
Monsoon season brings storms and relief. Watch for damage and continue heat survival.
August in the Southwest: Monsoon Madness
August in the Southwest brings a strange twist—monsoon season. After months of bone-dry heat, sudden storms can dump inches of rain in hours. Temperatures may drop briefly, then climb back into triple digits. It’s a month of extremes.
The monsoons bring both relief and danger. Flash floods, damaging winds, and dust storms are real threats. But they also offer a brief respite from the relentless heat. Stay alert, stay safe, and keep your AC running.
This Month’s Tasks
1. AC Filter Maintenance Continues 🔧
Time: 15 minutes every 2-3 weeks
Your AC is still working overtime. Keep up with filter changes.
Replace or clean filters regularly—every 2-3 weeks minimum. Dust from monsoon storms can clog filters faster. Clear debris from around the outdoor unit after storms. Monitor performance and call immediately if something seems wrong.
HVAC issues? → Find an HVAC contractor →
2. Post-Storm Damage Checks 🔧🔧
Time: 30 minutes after each monsoon
Monsoon storms can be violent. After each one, check your property for damage.
Inspect the roof for missing or displaced tiles/shingles. Check for wind damage to trees, fences, and structures. Look for signs of water intrusion. Clear debris from gutters and drains. Document any damage for insurance.
Monsoons move fast but pack a punch. Don’t assume your home weathered the storm without checking.
3. Drainage System Inspection 🔧🔧
Time: 1 hour
Monsoon rains can overwhelm drainage systems. Make sure yours are working.
Clear gutters, downspouts, and drainage swales of debris. Check that water flows away from your foundation. Look for areas where water pools. Address issues before the next storm.
Flash floods are dangerous. Good drainage protects your home and landscape.
4. Pool Maintenance in Storm Season 🔧🔧
Time: 1-2 hours weekly, extra after storms
Monsoon storms affect pool chemistry and fill pools with debris.
Test water chemistry after each storm. Remove debris promptly. Run the pump longer to clear the water. Check that pool equipment wasn’t damaged by wind or lightning.
Storms can turn a clear pool green overnight. Stay on top of it.
5. Roof Tile/Shingle Inspection 🔧🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Southwest roofs take a beating from sun and storms. Check for damage.
From the ground (or safely on a ladder), look for displaced or cracked tiles/shingles. Check flashing around penetrations. Look for signs of wear that could become leaks.
The Southwest sun degrades roofing materials faster than other climates. Regular inspection catches problems early.
6. Irrigation Adjustment for Monsoons 🔧
Time: 30 minutes
Monsoon rains can provide significant water. Adjust your irrigation accordingly.
Turn off or reduce irrigation after rain events. Don’t overwater when nature provides moisture. Check that irrigation systems weren’t damaged by storms.
Efficient watering saves money and prevents overwatering problems.
7. Indoor Project Planning 🔧
Time: 1 hour
You’re still mostly stuck inside due to heat. Plan productive indoor work.
Make a list of indoor projects to tackle. Organize storage areas. Handle indoor repairs. Use this time productively while waiting for cooler weather.
October is coming. You can make it.
The Bottom Line
August in the Southwest is a month of contrasts—extreme heat punctuated by violent storms. Keep your AC running, inspect your property after each monsoon, and maintain your pool and landscape through the challenges. The monsoons offer brief relief from heat but bring their own dangers. Stay alert and stay safe.