Prepping homes for summer is an important part of house maintenance and will help keep you comfortable throughout the warmer months. Below are a number of tips for getting your home ready for summer from Pillar to Post Home Inspection.
Exterior Summer Maintenance Tips
- Repair cracks or any other damage to siding.
- If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint to limit damage to materials below.
- Remove window screens and clean them with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse well and allow them to dry in the sun.
- Repair any holes or tears to window screens. If damage is significant, screen replacement is a fairly easy DIY job. Local hardware stores often offer this service, too.
- Have the air conditioning unit serviced to ensure good operation.
- Trim shrubs and planets around the air conditioning unit to promote good air intake.
- Clear dirt and debris from gutters and eaves.
- Seal cracks in the driveway.
- Remove debris and overgrown plants from walkways.
- Test irrigation and sprinkler systems and replace any broken sprinkler heads or emitters. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
- Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate.
Interior Summer Maintenance Tips
- Vacuum or brush off refrigerator coils to maintain energy efficiency. Depending on your model, the coils will be located either on the bottom or back of the appliance.
- Empty dehumidifier pans and clean hoses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If possible, hang area rugs outside over a deck or porch rail to air out.
- Adjust ceiling fans for proper balance and change the rotation to the summer setting.
- Dust ceiling fans to avoid blowing dust around the room.
- Switch out heavy bedding for lightweight summer fabrics. Clean the winter bedding before storing it away for the season.
- Close the chimney flue to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in.
- Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.
- Lubricate any door or cabinet hinges that stick or squeak.
- Open windows even on cooler days to get fresh air flowing throughout the home.
You can read the original guest post on prepping homes for summer here. To schedule a home inspection with Pillar to Post, visit farmerteam.pillartopost.com, call 435.315.7728, or email [email protected].
