It’s that time of year again! Warmer weather is upon us, and your home could use a little TLC to prepare for the hot days ahead. A little time spent now could mean solving minor problems before they get worse (and more expensive). Here’s a handy list of summer home maintenance tips that will keep you cool and ready to deal with the heat.
1. Refresh your landscaping.
This will boost curb appeal and potentially prevent damage. Remove any dead limbs hanging over your roof. Mow regularly, trim bushes, and treat weeds. Remove any yard debris to prevent fire hazards.
2. Inspect for pests and take care of any pest problems.
This can include scorpions, termites, ants, slugs, insects, or other pests depending on the climate where you live. Take care of problems now before they become much bigger problems.
3. Keep cool.
Service your AC system. Replace filters every 1-2 months, depending on your climate. Schedule a professional tune-up.
Ceiling fans. Set fans to turn counter-clockwise to push cool air downward.
Seal windows and doors if needed. Check for any holes or cracks where cool air could be escaping and seal.
4. Inspect plumbing.
Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets. Flush your water heater, especially if you’re in a hard water area.
5. Clean and maintain the exterior.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove leaves and debris.
Wash and inspect the exterior. Clean your patio, siding, decks, driveways, and walkways. Touch up any peeling paint, and inspect your patio for loose boards or cracks.
6. Clean your dryer vent.
Lint can build up. You’ll want to clean your dryer vent to prevent fire hazards.
7. Close blinds during peak sun hours or place solar screens on windows.
If you live in a hot climate, you’ll want to keep solar screens on your windows. Close blinds during peak sun hours to avoid overheating your home during the day.
8. Prepare for vacation.
Hold mail, set timers for your lights, and notify a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member.
9. Clean and declutter your garage.
Organize tools and donate or throw away any items you don’t need.
10. Maintain outdoor furniture, lawn tools, and grill.
Clean your grill thoroughly, clean cushions on outdoor furniture, and sharpen mower blades and trimmers.
Maintenance Tips for Every Season
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test and replace batteries.
Check fire extinguishers. Make sure they’re charged, accessible, and not expired.
Replace HVAC filters. It’s recommended to replace them once every 1-3 months depending on climate.
Final thoughts on summer home maintenance
Getting your home summer-ready now can mean avoiding costly repairs in the peak of the heat. We hope you have a wonderful, safe summer!
