10 Home Maintenance Tasks for Your Summer Checklist

Posted by on Monday, May 16th, 2022 at 3:23pm.

 

Getting your house ready for summer doesn't just mean uncovering the pool and prepping the grill. It also means checking off a few to do items to make sure your home is ready for the summer season. By keeping up with regular maintenance, it helps to protect your home and can prevent costly repairs down the road. Here are our top 10 items for you to check off your summer to do list.

1. Service & repair your HVAC

As the temperature rises, it is incredibly important to make sure your air conditioner is ready to take on the hot days of summer. While it is recommended that you service your HVAC annually, the weather changes can take its toll on your unit. Having a licensed technician inspect your HVAC can help you beat the heat this year!

2. Inspect the exterior of your home

Since the weather has been chilly, chances are you haven’t spent too much time outside. Take a walk around the exterior of your home to make sure everything is in tip top shape. Areas to pay attention to include the siding, decks, patios, porches, railings, and stairs. Look for any signs of rot, chipped paint, and loose pieces/structures. Not only does this maintain curb appeal, but also protects your home and can prolong/prevent larger updates down the road. 

3. Inspect and treat for pests

Warmer weather is prime time for pests and insects. We recommend giving Lookout Pest Control a call to ensure your home is treated to help prevent damage caused by termites, ants, rodents, and other pests. In addition to treatments, make sure areas like your attic and crawlspace are secure to ensure no rodents or other critters can get into your home to. While rodents are an health hazard, they also attract predators like snakes, foxes, and coyotes. 

4. Pressure wash sidewalks and driveways

Driveways and sidewalks are areas that often get neglected outside of simply being swept clean of debris. Overtime, mildew, algae, and other harmful growths can build up on the surface and create a hazard to walk on. Pressure washing not only cleans the surface, but also cuts down on the weeds growing along the sides or in any cracks.

5. Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct

Cleaning your dryer filter before or after every use is incredibly important to prevent build up and ensure your dryer functions properly. Even with the daily cleaning, lent and debris can still build up in the dryer vent/exhaust and create a major fire risk. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, make sure to keep your vents cleaned out to prevent clogs or safety hazards.

6. Inspect fence

Whether the purpose of your fence is to keep your family in or keep others out, summer time is the perfect time to make sure your fence is in tip top shape. Warmer weather doesn’t just mean more time outside for you, but also for everybody else including animals. During your inspection, make sure each piece is secure and there is no rot or rust that could compromise its integrity. Don’t forget to also make sure there are no vines or other invasive plants that could grow on or around the fence and cause damage.  

7. Trim your trees and shrubs

Summer is the time for plants to blossom! Be sure to stay on top of trimming your trees and shrubs as they can easily become overgrown and cause damage to your home. Keeping leaves and branches trimmed helps prevent debris from falling on or around your house which also helps prolong the life of your roof. Another important reason to keep everything trimmed is because overgrown plants are ideal habitats for pests.

8. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

It is incredibly important to always make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Each season brings different risks for ways fires can start in your home. This is your reminder to check the batteries and do a quick test to make sure each detector is working!

9. Reverse ceiling fans

It is time to flip the switch! Summer time means it is about to be hot, hot, hot! Help beat the heat indoors by making sure your fans are spinning counterclockwise. This direction creates a downdraft that pushes a nice breeze throughout the room. 

10. Clean gutters and downspouts

Cleaning gutters and downspouts isn’t just for fall. As everything begins to bloom, gutters can easily become clogged from spring and summer rains. Gutters & downspouts are susceptible to wind damage and trapping leaves and other debris. If water cannot properly drain through the gutter system, it can create issues with standing water around the base of your home or in your yard, water damage to the exterior of your home, and more.



 

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