Summertime is here and while it’s natural to think about vacations and outdoor fun, home owners should also be thinking about maintenance that could best be performed this time of year.

Summer 2019 Tips For Home Maintenance

Here’s our suggestions for home maintenance this summer:

Prepare Your Cooling System

It doesn’t matter if you use fans, central air, or window units, each one of these cooling systems needs to be checked and cleaned before use. Read instruction manuals to determine how best to go about routine maintenance.

For fans, make sure that your fan is spinning in a counterclockwise rotation so that cool air is being pushed down.

Check Out Your Attic And Basement

With warmer weather coming, any holes in the attic or basement that could let pests inside need to be repaired. If damp areas exist, repairs should be made so that mold and mildew don’t grow.

Check Your Deck

Who doesn’t love to spend time outside on their deck in the summer? But before you do, think about power washing it, checking the boards to make sure none are rotting or loose, and consider sealing (or resealing) it against water.

Wash Your Windows (And Screens!)

Give all of the windows in your home a good scrub so that summer light can come shining in! For the screens, use a gentle brush and hot soapy water.

Mulch The Yard

Plants will need a little help retaining moisture during the hot summer months. Grab some fresh mulch and add a layer to give them the boost they need.

Speaking of plants….

Trim Back Trees And Bushes

Do a little homework to find the best way to trim each type of tree and bush in your yard. The reality is that some plants actually grow better with regular pruning! You could even get creative and try to create fun shapes out of your bushes.

Make Driveway Repairs

This is a great time to check your driveway for any cracks or potholes in your driveway – after all, these won’t just cause damage to your car. Visitors could trip over these defects and get hurt as well!

Take A Peek At Your Roof

Get up on your roof to see if any shingles are damaged or loose and to make sure your gutters don’t need to be cleaned out.

Consider Hiring A Chimney Sweep

If you have a fireplace, summer is a great time to have the chimney cleaned out. After all, you won’t be using the fireplace and chimney sweeps will likely have a lighter schedule.

Clean Your Grill!

It’s likely that you’ll want to use your grill all summer long. Make sure it’s ready to go by giving it a good cleaning. If you use a charcoal grill, dump out any remaining charcoal and wash the entire tray with soap and water. For gas grills, turn the grill on high for at least 30 minutes. When it has cooled, use a grill brush to sweep it.