Summertime is here and while it’s natural to think about vacations and outdoor fun, homeowners should also be thinking about maintenance that could best be performed this time of year. Not sure what you should be doing this time of year for your home? Then check this post out for some helpful tips on how to keep your house in its best shape this summer.
Summer 2021 Tips For Home Maintenance
Here are 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.
For central air systems, remove the grill from the front of the unit and clean all vents using a vacuum. Don’t forget to clean the filter and check its condition before changing it. For window units, be sure to remove them from windows and thoroughly clean their exterior surface. Clean and dry all parts of the unit before replacing it in its original location.
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. While you’re there, your attic and basement should also be checked for any leaks. Check ceilings throughout the house for signs of water damage. If you find damaged areas, a repair or replacement could help prevent bigger problems from occurring later.
Check Out Your Faucets And Showers
Clean and inspect faucets for any issues and repair them if necessary. For showers, this is a good time to take them apart and check for rust as well as ensure that all controls including pressure controls work as expected.
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.
Inspect The Exterior Surfaces Of Your Home
Clean or paint your home’s exterior surfaces this summer before mildew begins to grow or rust sets in on metal surfaces, such as roofs and gutters.
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. Any damaged roof shingles need to be replaced before summer rains begin, or at least before they increase in frequency. If gutters are loose or missing, they should also be repaired or replaced before rainfall begins again. A new roof or new gutters can make a huge difference with keeping your home cool during summer heat waves.
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.
Early Pest Control
You may not think of pests as present in the summer, but they can be. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for pest control ready so that pests won’t be coming inside as summer comes to a close. If you don’t feel confident doing pest control yourself, make sure to reach out to an experienced contractor.
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.
Check All Of Your Detectors
Both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested regularly to make sure they work properly when needed most. Replace batteries in both types of detectors as needed to keep them operational during an important situation.
What Now?
Once you’ve made it through your summer checklist, grab a drink, kick your feet up and relax! It’s going to be a fabulous summer!
