Summer is a great time for many activities, but it can also be tough on your home. The hot weather and high humidity can take a toll on your home’s exterior and interior. However, with some basic summer home maintenance tips, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. From inspecting your roof to maintaining your air conditioning system, you can take many steps to keep your home in good shape this summer. Read on to learn more.
Home maintenance tips for summer
Here are some essential summer maintenance tips for homeowners to help you prepare your home for the heat.
Summer home maintenance tips #1: Inspect your roof and gutters
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for summer is to inspect your roof and gutters. Summer storms can cause significant damage to your roof, which can lead to leaks and other problems. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks in the roof, or other signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, make repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof. Make sure to clean your gutters before the summer storms hit to ensure proper drainage.
Summer home maintenance tips #2: Maintain your air conditioning system
With the summer heat, your air conditioning system will be working overtime to keep your home cool. To avoid breakdowns and costly repairs, it’s important to maintain your air conditioning system. Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your AC system and cause it to work harder than necessary. Clean or replace your air filters every month to ensure proper airflow. A professional HVAC technician can inspect your AC system and make any necessary repairs before the summer heat hits.
Summer home maintenance tips #3: Check your plumbing
Summer can also take a toll on your plumbing system. Inspect your faucets, toilets, and pipes for any signs of leaks. If you notice any leaks, make repairs as soon as possible to prevent water damage. Summer storms can cause debris to clog your drains. Use a drain cleaning solution or call a professional plumber to clean your drains before the summer storms hit.
Summer home maintenance tips #4: Keep bugs and pests at bay
Summer is the season of bugs, and they can invade your home if you’re not careful. Bugs can enter your home through gaps in your windows and doors. Make sure to seal any gaps or cracks to keep them out. Pests are attracted to food and garbage. Make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs and take out the trash regularly. You can also get a professional pest control service for effective results.
Summer home maintenance tips #5: Power wash your home’s exteriors
Power washing the outside of your home is an effective way to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from your home’s exterior. With the summer season just around the corner, it’s a great time to power wash your home to give it a fresh, clean look. A power washer uses a high-pressure water stream to blast away dirt and grime, making it much more effective than traditional cleaning methods. Power washing can also help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
Summer home maintenance tips #6: Check the insulation
Checking your home’s insulation is an important part of summer maintenance. Insulation helps to keep your home cool in the summer by preventing hot air from entering and cool air from escaping. It also helps to keep your home warm in the winter. To check your home’s insulation, start by inspecting your attic and walls. Look for any gaps, cracks, or damage in the insulation. If you notice any issues, consider adding more insulation or repairing any damage. Proper insulation can also help to lower your energy bills by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home.
Summer home maintenance tips #7: Freshen up your yard
To make your home look its best this summer, don’t forget about your yard. With a little bit of maintenance, you can make your yard look fresh and inviting for all of your summer activities. Start by removing any dead parts from trees or plants, and do some weeding to clear out any unwanted growth. Laying down mulch in your flower beds can help to keep weeds at bay and retain moisture for your plants. Get ready for pool parties and summer cookouts by adding some new landscaping. Planting new flowers or shrubs can add color and texture to your yard, while adding new features like a stone walkway or fountain can create a focal point for your outdoor space.
Summer home maintenance tips #8: Clean windows and repair window screens
Over the winter, windows can accumulate dirt and grime, affecting both the clarity of the view and the efficiency of the window. Use a mild detergent and water solution to clean the windows inside and out, ensuring a streak-free finish. Additionally, inspect window screens for any damage or tears and replace them if necessary. Clean windows not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your home but also allow more natural light to enter, creating a brighter and more inviting living space during the summer months.
Source: Freepik (Pinterest)
Summer home maintenance tips #9: Clean out your pool
As the temperature rises, it’s essential to ensure your pool is clean and ready for use. Start by removing any debris, leaves, and twigs that may have accumulated on the surface and at the bottom of the pool. Use a skimmer net and pool vacuum to thoroughly clean the pool’s surface and floor. Additionally, scrub the walls and tiles to remove any algae or buildup. Test the water chemistry and adjust the pH and chlorine levels as needed to maintain optimal water quality. Regular pool maintenance ensures a safe and enjoyable swimming experience throughout the summer season.
Source: Royal Swimming Pools (Pinterest)
Summer home maintenance tips #10: Reverse your ceiling fans
During the warmer months, reversing the direction of your ceiling fans can help keep your home cool and comfortable. Set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a downdraft, which produces a breeze effect that helps to lower the perceived temperature in the room. This airflow can make your living spaces feel cooler, allowing you to rely less on air conditioning and potentially saving energy and costs. Reversing your ceiling fans is a simple and effective way to enhance airflow and maintain a comfortable environment throughout the summer.
Source: The Spruce (Pinterest)
Housing.com POV
With these summer home maintenance tips, your home will be ready to withstand the heat and remain a comfortable and inviting space throughout the season. From inspecting your roof to cleaning out your pool and reversing your ceiling fans, taking these simple steps can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your home stays in top condition. By staying proactive and addressing any issues promptly, you can enjoy a worry-free summer and make the most of the warmer weather. So, roll up your sleeves and get started on these maintenance tasks to keep your home looking its best all summer long.
FAQs
How often should I power wash the exterior of my home?
It's recommended to power wash the exterior of your home at least once a year, preferably in the spring or summer months.
Why is checking insulation important for summer maintenance?
Proper insulation helps to keep your home cool in the summer by preventing hot air from entering and cool air from escaping, which can lower your energy bills.
How often should I clean or replace my air filters?
You should clean or replace your air filters every month to ensure proper airflow.
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