Summer Home Maintenance Tips
The weather is getting warmer, the birds are singing, and the outdoors are calling your name. It's almost summertime and the perfect opportunity to prepare your home for a change in season.
Protecting your home against the elements can keep it running smoothly and can help protect your investment. Here's a checklist of some of the most critical summer home maintenance projects:
Exterior:
Protecting your home against the elements can keep it running smoothly and can help protect your investment. Here's a checklist of some of the most critical summer home maintenance projects:
Exterior:
- Take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings while they last and inspect your roof for any damages or repairs needed.
- Mulch and weed any plant beds to enhance your home's curb appeal. Trim any overgrown areas. If you have an irrigation system, now is a great time to test for potential leaks.
- Everyone knows that summertime is grilling season - give your grill a nice cleaning and prepare for its first time firing up. Stage some outdoor furniture for entertaining on the days you're grilling out.
- Power wash the driveway and sidewalk areas and inspect for cracks that might need filling.
- Clean out any gutters or downspouts. Clear of any leaves or debris that could block drainage.
- Wash your windows of spring pollen and replace any damaged screens.
- Deck or porch areas should be inspected for loose wood or nails. Consider if any areas need to be re-stained and keep surfaces washed.
- Call your local pest control to assess and spray the exterior of your home and prevent insects or bugs from entering.
- Inspect outdoor play areas and equipment for rusty bolts, sharp edges, etc. to prevent injuries.
- A consistent mowing schedule will encourage healthy grass growth.
- Prepare your pool by scrubbing the walls, leveling water, and balancing chemicals.
- Dust off all ceiling fans and reverse their direction to spin counterclockwise. This encourages cooler air to travel downwards.
- Check windows and doors for air leaks - seal with weather stripping or caulk as needed. You can invest in black out curtains to keep your home cooler.
- Test any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
- Consider having your air conditioning system serviced and filters cleaned. It's a good idea in the summertime to replace air filters more frequently, such as monthly.
- Inspect attic and basement areas for leaks, mold, mildew, or pests.
- Vacuum out vents and clean any ducts - such as dryer ducts.
- Setting your thermostat higher will lower costs. In contrast, keep your water heater at a warm setting (120 degrees) instead of hot.
- Check any plumbing connections and pipes for potential leaks.
- Cleaning shower heads, drains, garbage disposals, and fridges will improve the efficiency of water flow and lower energy costs.