Home Preparation Tips For The Summer

Summer is here.  The temperatures are soaring, the rain is pounding, and the sun is blazing.  It is important that you take the time to maintain your home this summer and to prepare it for the extreme heat that you could be facing.  Check out this check list of summer home maintenance tips to help you give your home some TLC.

Interior Home Preparation Tips For Summer

1.  Do a test of your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide detectors.

• Replace batteries if needed

2.  Get your cooling system ready.

• Consider getting your air-conditioning system serviced.  Proper air conditioner maintenance can help your AC last longer.  This one is especially important for summer home maintenance since you do not want to be stuck without air conditioning when the temperature starts climbing.

3.  Dust ceiling fan blades and check that the fan is balanced and working properly.

• Attach a dryer sheet to a paint roller so you can reach easily and dust away.

4.  Get your chimney cleaned.

• You might not use your fireplace again until fall or winter, but that is why this is the perfect time to call a chimney cleaning service.  They will not be busy.

5.  Clean or replace your showerheads.

6.  Clean bathroom drains.

7.  Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.

• If your fans spin counterclockwise, they will push air straight down so your home will stay nice and cool.  To do this, turn off the fan, wait for it to stop, and find the direction switch and check that your fans are spinning counterclockwise.

8.  Clean the baseboards of your home.

9.  Check your attic.

• Look for signs of dampness, mildew, leaks, holes in the roof and pests.

10.  Clean the vents of your bathroom fans.

11.  Clean the dryer exhaust duct.

• Clean out all of the dust and lint trapped in the exhaust duct.  Clothes dryers can be a fire hazard if they are not cleaned and maintained.

12.  Change the filter in the air conditioner.

Exterior Home Preparation Tips For Summer

13.  Clean your grill to prep for summer BBQ's

• Charcoal grills:  Empty the grill and wipe away any dust or residue.  Use hot water, dish soap, and a scrub brush or sponge to clean both the outside and inside of the grill.  Be sure to let your grill dry off before using it next.
• Gas grills:  Close the lid, turn the heat up high, and let the grill cook for about half an hour.  Let the grill cool.  Use a grill bush to sweep the grill.  Wipe down the outside with a sponge and cleaner.  Then clean out all of the drip trays.

14.  Wash down your porch.

• You should sweep the porch thoroughly, then remove any embedded dirt by scrubbing with soap and water.

15.  Give your deck a once-over.

• Check your deck to see if there are any boards that look like they are rotting.  Have them replaced.
• Hammer any nails that are loose.
• You can also check if your deck needs to be resealed by pouring a little water on it.  If the water beads into little puddles, you are good.  If it sinks into the wood, you should get your deck resealed against water.

16.  Wash the windows.

17.  Wash or change your window screens.

18.  Add a layer of mulch.

• The extra mulch will help fight off weeds and help your soil retain moisture during those scorching summer months.

19.  Check for outdoor leaks.

• Hunt for leaks by checking all outdoor faucets.  Then look at your hose.  You can waste a lot of water if there is even a tiny hole in your hose.

20.  Check your outdoor play equipment.

• Make sure everything is still safe.  Repair or replace anything that is damaged or possibly hazardous and make sure that the structure is still sturdy and strong.

21.  Protect your home against unwanted guests.

• Cover any holes that are more than a quarter-inch wide.
• Get you tree branches trimmed back so they do not create a highway for squirrels to your attic.  Branches should be at least 8 feet from your roof.
• Make sure your outdoor trash bins are tightly sealed to prevent a buffet for pests.
• Do away with yard debris.  Leaves and twigs are a haven for animals that might decide to invade your home.
• Tend your lawn frequently by mowing.

22.  Clean out the gutters and downspouts.

• You should clean the gutters at least once a year, perhaps twice if you have a lot of trees around your home.

23.  Inspect the caulking around the windows and doors of your home.

• You can keeps ants and bugs at bay in the kitchen by adding fresh caulking to your windows and doors.

24.  Consider having your driveway and walkway pressure washed.

25.  Repair cracks and holes in your driveway and front steps.

26.  Trim bushes and plants.

• Pay special attention to the area around the AC unit.

27.  Touch up the paint on the outside of your home.

28.  Check over your fence.

• Have it repainted, resealed, or repaired as needed.

29.  Look at the outside of your house.

• Check for rotted, dirty, or loose siding.

30.  Consider getting your roof inspected.

• It is important to properly maintain your roof to make sure that it can last as long as possible.