Summer is here! The kids are playing outside, everyone is BBQing and mowing their lawns, and it's time to get the house ready for the summer months. Here are some summer home maintenance tips to help you keep your house in good shape during the warmer months:
Outside Maintenance
1) Power wash the driveway and house
Power washing once a year can help prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, mildew, and other contaminants that can cause long-term damage to your home's exterior. These substances can deteriorate surfaces, leading to premature aging, rot, or decay. By removing them through power washing, you can extend the lifespan of your home's exterior materials and potentially avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.
2) Clean out gutters
Gutters are designed to collect rainwater from your roof and direct it away from your home's foundation. When gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, debris, or even stagnant water, they can become blocked. This blockage prevents proper water drainage, causing water to overflow and potentially seep into your home's foundation. By cleaning out your gutters, you ensure that water can flow freely, reducing the risk of water damage to your foundation, basement, walls, and landscaping. Cleaning your gutters- DIY:
1. You'll need a sturdy ladder, work gloves, a small hand shovel or scoop, a bucket or tarp to collect the debris, a garden hose, and a nozzle attachment with a pressure setting suitable for gutters. 2. Begin at one end of the gutter system and work your way along. Using your gloved hands or a hand shovel, remove large debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt from the gutter. Place the debris into the bucket or onto the tarp below.
3. Check the downspouts and gutter outlets for clogs or blockages
4. Once you have removed the bulk of the debris, use a garden hose with a nozzle attachment to flush the gutters.
5. If necessary, use the garden hose to flush water through the downspouts to ensure unobstructed flow
3) Examine hose bibs/water hoses
When you turn on the water hose this summer, check to see if the spigot is leaking. If you have water coming out of both ends of the water hose then you more than likely have a leak in your pipe, which can cause damage inside your walls that you might not even be aware of. Call a local plumber to check out your leak before it creates damage to your home.
4) Inspect and clean your windows
Inspect your windows for any cracks or gaps that may need sealing. Clean your windows inside and out, and check the condition of your window screens. Repair or replace damaged screens to keep insects out while allowing fresh air to circulate.
5) Clean dryer vents
Cleaning your dryer vent helps prevent potential hazards and keeps your dryer functioning efficiently
1. Move your dryer away from the wall to gain access to the vent hose. Carefully disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer. Depending on the type of connection, you may need to loosen clamps or simply pull it off.
2. Use a vacuum cleaner with a long, flexible hose attachment to clean the vent hose. Insert the hose into the vent hose and gently move it back and forth to remove lint and debris. Pay special attention to any bends or twists in the hose, as these areas tend to accumulate lint.
3. Locate the vent opening on the exterior of your home. Use the vacuum cleaner or a vent brush to clean out any lint or debris from the vent opening. Ensure the opening is clear and unrestricted for proper airflow.
6) Preparing for pest Control Take preventive measures against common summer pests. Seal any cracks or openings in your home's exterior to prevent pests from entering
Indoor Maintenance
7) Reverse your ceiling fans
Reversing your ceiling fan refers to changing the direction in which the blades rotate. Ceiling fans typically have a switch on the fan housing or remote control that allows you to change the direction of the blades. Make sure to turn the fan off before you flip the switch! For winter months, you will want your fan to clockwise rotation, the fan creates an updraft that pushes warm air trapped near the ceiling down towards the floor.
For summer months, you'll want your ceiling fan to rotate in the forward direction (counterclockwise rotation). This creates a downdraft that produces a cooling breeze, making you feel more comfortable by creating a wind chill effect.
8) AC Filter/Smoke detector AC Filter- Regularly inspect your AC filter to determine its condition. If you notice it is visibly dirty, clogged, or discolored, it's time to replace it even if it hasn't reached the recommended time frame. Smoke detector- It's generally recommended to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors at least twice a year.
9) Clean and inspect appliances Clean dust and debris from appliances like refrigerators and freezers to maintain optimal performance.
10) Clean your mattress
Twice a year you should remove all of your bedding from your mattress and do a thorough cleaning. First, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Baking soda helps absorb odors and freshens the mattress. Next, leave it on for at least a few hours, but ideally overnight, to allow it to work its magic. Then, vacuum up the baking soda using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Pay attention to seams, crevices, and corners where dust and debris tend to accumulate. This will help remove dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens.
These maintenance tasks can help keep your home comfortable, energy-efficient, and safe during the summer months. Additionally, following regular cleaning and maintenance routines for your home can contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable living environment.