Photo by Sam Clarke on Unsplash
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Long summer days are the perfect opportunity to get some work done around the house. Add these home maintenance tips for summer to your To-Do list to help keep your home performing efficiently during the warm weather.
Interior Maintenance Tips
1. Switch Ceiling Fan Blade Direction to Counterclockwise
Ensure your ceiling fan blades spin counterclockwise during the summer to create a cooling downdraft. This helps in cooling your interior spaces more effectively.
On most ceiling fans, there is a switch somewhere on the side of the motor that you need to flip to change the direction that the blades spin.
While you’re up there adjusting the blades, you may as well take the time to check the screws to tighten any that may have come loose and do a good dusting.
After you’re done, you may want to make yourself a reminder to switch the blades back to clockwise during the colder months for a updraft that helps circulate warm air.
2. Clean Your Refrigerator Coils
Dust and pet hair can accumulate on the coils underneath (or behind) your refrigerator, making it work harder to keep your food cool. Taking a few minutes to clean the coils can help improve your fridge’s efficiency and maybe even cut back on your electricity bill.
3. Wash Windows and Check Screens
Clean your windows inside and out to remove any dust, cooking residue, smoke, and more.
You’ll also want to check and repair any damaged screens, so that when you open up those windows to let in fresh air, you don’t let any unwanted “guests” into your home too.
And since you’re there…
4. Check for Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Taking the time to check the seals around your doors and windows can actually have a big impact on how cool your home can stay. You can use weather stripping or caulking to fill any voids. This will not only keep the hot air out and cool air in, but also any bugs that may be able to fit through those cracks.
Looking To Spruce Up More Than Just Your Yard?
Nate Blake Construction & Son is an award-winning southern Utah home builder and would love to help you with any summer home renovations that you have planned.
Exterior Maintenance Tips
1. Check Your Air Conditioning Unit
Regular maintenance of your Air Conditioner ensures that it is running efficiently during the warmer months. While there are things that you can do to help get it ready to kick back on, it is also recommended to have an HV/AC professional come to your home and perform a service to ensure peak performance.
Clear any dirt or debris from the outside of your A/C unit with a garden hose to ensure that there is maximum airflow. And don’t forget to regularly weed or trim any plants around the unit, as those can also act as an obstruction.
2. Wash Siding
Many people will use a pressure washer to clean any dirt, mud, or other materials from the side of their home, however, you will want to be conscious of the amount of pressure you are using, as this can cause damage to the siding on your house. Using a garden hose oftentimes is enough to get the job done.
Apply a fresh coat of paint – or some touch up paint- to repair any visual imperfections.
3. Pressure Washing
If you are going to be using your pressure washer for siding, fences, or decks – as we mentioned already – make sure to use lower pressure to avoid damage. If you have a natural wood fencing or deck, you’ll also want to consider re-applying and wood sealant material.
Cleaning your sidewalk, porches, and driveways with pressure washer not only helps give your home a polished edge, but is the perfect opportunity to check for cracks and holes. Fixing these cracks and holes can prevent tripping hazards and help avoid the damage getting worse.
Killing weeds between pavement cracks helps as well. You can use a weed killer, or you can try pouring boiling water over them for a more “natural” approach.
4. Look for Signs of Pests
If they are outside your house, they are going to want inside too!
Inspect your garden, plants, trees, and shrubs for any insect infestations, such as wasps nests.
When you are going around the outside of your home to clean the siding, you’ll want to make sure to look for any signs of termites, such as flaking wood or mud tunnels.
With certain pests, you can address the issue yourself with pesticides or traps, but if you see any sign of termites, you will want to contact a professional pest control company.
5. Inspect Your Roof
Even from the ground you can see if you have any cracked, curled, or missing shingles. If you do, these should be replaced to avoid any water damage.
But if you want to be thorough, you can take a closer look up on your roof as well.
6. Check Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts help direct water away from your house and foundation. But if they are filled with leaves, shingle debris, or anything else water will start to pool and could cause water damage not only to your roof, but in extreme cases potentially to your foundation. Clearing debris from gutters and downspouts help ensure that you don’t end up with any pooling water.
You may also want to run water through your gutters and downspouts with a hose to see if there are any seam that need to be sealed with caulk.
7. Clean Exterior Dryer Vent
Not only does removing lint buildup from your exterior dryer vent improve your dryer’s efficiency, but it also help prevent a potential fire hazard.
It is recommended to clean your outside dryer vent out at least once a year.
8. Tidy Up Your Landscaping
Having a clean yard adds instant curb appeal to any home.
- Trim shrubs and bushes
- Pull, spray, or even burn weed to help keep weeds under control.
- Replace dead or unhealthy plants.
- Refresh mulched areas with a new layer of mulch
- Check trees for signs of decay, such as cracks or hollow limbs
- Prune tree branches to keep them away from power lines and your home’s exterior. Doing this helps prevent any damages from branches during storms
Make sure to practice proper safety when working on your home in any manner!
Garage Maintenance
1. Organize and Secure Items
Many people store materials such as paint, solvents, and other chemicals in their garage. However, these heat-sensitive and combustible materials should be moved out of the garage and into a cooler and safer storage location to prevent and potential fire hazard.
Store any power tools in locked cabinets, especially if you have children, and inspect the floor for grease spots from leaking car fluids.
Year-Round Safety Checks
Home maintenance occurs in every season. In addition to summer-specific tasks, remember to:
- Have your chimney cleaned.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors.
- Inspect fire extinguishers.
- Test smoke detectors regularly.
No matter the type of home that you have, whether it is a spec home, custom home, or semi-custom home, regular maintenance is a must to help protect your home and investment.
Performing these tasks during the summer helps maintain your home’s efficiency and safety, making it a more comfortable place to live.
Are you planning a home renovation project? Or maybe even ready to build the home of your dreams? Nate Blake Construction & Son is here to help you achieve your vision.