Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start gearing up for some fun in the sun! But you should also remember that summer is hotter these days due to climate change. So, it’s also time to do some basic maintenance work around the house before the warm weather hits. Here are a few tips on what you can do to get your home in shape for summer!
Service your HVAC unit before hot weather hits.
If you have a central air unit, the last thing you want is to have it malfunction during a heatwave. A dirty filter will restrict airflow, making your system work harder and use more energy. Change your filter every month, whether it looks dirty or not (you should be able to see the light through it) and get your units serviced once or twice a year.
If necessary, you should hire an air conditioning or AC repair company to deal with any issues in the unit. You should make sure all the repairs are completed before the arrival of summer.
Do some sprucing up throughout your home.
A little spring cleaning is always good for the soul, but it’s also important to keep it up so you can enjoy your house more during warmer days. Dust off light bulbs and fans to allow them to do their jobs properly on hot days. If there are any broken windows, be sure to get them fixed before the summer.
You should also make sure your house is equipped with working smoke detectors in case of emergencies. If you have an older home that has yet to be updated, this could save your family’s lives! Don’t forget that you will need carbon monoxide detectors if you use gas to heat your home.
Your home’s structure is also important to keep in mind when doing maintenance work before summer. Look for any cracks in the foundation or buckling floors, and get these repaired immediately.
Inspect your roof for any leaks or damage.
Leaks could not only affect your home’s structure but also cause electrical problems. And once again, if you feel like your roof is beyond repair, don’t put it off for another year – get it fixed today! Make sure to replace any missing or broken shingles. If you’re having trouble climbing onto the roof yourself, call in a professional to make sure everything is safe.
During winter, you should also inspect your trees for dead branches that could fall off in high winds. A good way to make sure they are secure is by tying a piece of string or twine around the trunk and making it meet with an upward angle at the top of the tree – this will mean that the tree is secure.
Check your windows and doors to make sure they close and seal properly.
Replacing windows and doors that no longer seal correctly is a quick and affordable way to make sure drafts don’t occur in your home. If you’re not sure what door and window seals look like, an easy solution would be to get clear sheets of plastic or rug runners and use double-sided tape underneath the edges to see if it holds things in place. You can then use a sharp knife to trim off excess if necessary.
You should also check your screens during this time of year – remember that they are there to keep bugs out, so you wouldn’t want holes in them!
Trim back any overgrown trees or bushes around your home.
If your trees are growing too close to the house, make sure they are trimmed back so that limbs don’t fall on your roof. If there are any low-hanging branches near power lines, be sure to have them cut before a storm hits.
While doing your annual maintenance work before summer, be sure to trim back any overgrown trees or bushes around your home. This will help to prevent pests from entering your home, as well as keep your property looking neat and tidy.
Inspect your plumbing for any leaks or damage, and fix as necessary.
If you have an older home or one that hasn’t been well-maintained, there might be some damage to the pipes. Even if your home is newer, problems can arise due to natural wear and tear after years of use.
Ensure that any leaking faucets are repaired so they don’t drip all summer long. You should also check your water heater to make sure it’s working properly. If it’s an older unit, consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model that can heat up water more quickly on hot days.
The summer is a great time to take care of some basic maintenance work before the warm weather hits. This will help your home be in better shape for when it’s hot outside, and you’ll also get one more thing checked off your list!
