Summer Home Checklist
As the temperatures rise, there’s no time like the present to get started on your summer home maintenance projects. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:
Clean, Inspect, and Rotate Ceiling Fans.
Ensure your fans remain dust-free to keep the air inside your home as fresh as possible. Give them a thorough inspection—looking out for bent or loose blades, excessive wobbling, or a damaged motor.
Also be sure to switch your fans to a counterclockwise rotation, as opposed to clockwise in the winter. A counterclockwise rotation pushes cool air towards the floor, keeping the temperature in the room up to 8 degrees cooler and saving you money on additional air conditioning costs!
Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts.
Summer storms and high winds can deposit debris in your gutters. Even though this is generally considered a job for spring and fall, summer is also recommended.
Have Your Air Conditioner Checked and Serviced.
Regular A/C maintenance can extend the life of your unit and may reduce the need for costly A/C repairs; especially during those hot summer months when you need it most.
Wash Windows and Replace Window Screens.
Washing your exterior windows won’t make much of a difference if you don’t wash your window screens, too. Remove your window screens and gently scrub them with hot, soapy water. If your screens are too filthy to be cleaned, you may want to replace them.
Perform Washing Machine Maintenance.
Your washing machine is one of those appliances that needs some light maintenance every now and then. When your washer is not in use, inspect the seal between the door opening and the drum for areas of soil buildup or stains.
Clean the Dryer Vent and Exhaust Duct.
Without some maintenance, clogged lint and dust in your dryer vents could cause a house fire.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
Replace old batteries and check to ensure things are in working order with all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and home timers.
And the Most Important One of All; Prep Your Grill for Backyard BBQs!
Clean and test your grill to make sure it’s ready for hamburger and hot dog season. If you have a gas grill, heat it up for about 20-30 minutes and then scrub the grates clean with a grill brush. For a charcoal grill, grab a bucket of hot, soapy water and clean with a sponge.