As homeowners, we always have a checklist of to-dos, and here is another helpful one for summertime maintenance.
When the summer heat rises, so do the tasks to complete – inside and out – so you can comfortably enjoy your home in this season.
Outdoor home maintenance
- Pressure wash your home siding, driveway, any patios/decks, and sidewalks to wash away built-up dirt, mold, and grime. On a lower power on your washer, soft wash porch screens and outdoor furniture.
- Clean debris from gutters and downspouts so water properly drains away from the house during those summer storms. And, while you’re on the ground, step back and inspect your roof for any cracked, curled, or missing shingles.
- Wash the exterior of your windows and screens, replacing any screens that are torn or too dirty to be scrubbed clean.
- Refresh your landscaping by trimming trees, shrubs, and bushes as needed; control weeds; add a fresh layer of mulch; remove dead or unhealthy plants and replace with new plants that bloom pops of color to improve curb appeal.
- Check for any bug infestations in outdoor plants, trees, and shrubs. Also look for signs of termite damage, like flaking wood, mud buildup, or tunneling systems. It may be a good idea to hire a professional exterminator to rule out infestations and spray around the perimeter of your home.
- Perform air conditioner maintenance by setting up regular checkups with a professional or, if all is working properly, just hose it down yourself to remove any dirt or debris and pull overgrown weeds around the unit.
- Clean the exterior dryer vent, which, again, can be done by a professional to make sure your dryer is working safely and more efficiently.
- Clean and test your grill before your next backyard barbecue by firing it up for about 15 minutes, scrubbing the grates clean, and checking hoses for any cracks or blockages.
- Check garage storage to make sure combustible or heat-sensitive materials aren’t on the shelves as the temperature rises outdoors. And, with the kids home from school in the summer and prone to dig out outdoor toys stored in the garage, make sure power tools or sharp lawn tools are locked away in cabinets.
Indoor home maintenance
- Switch your ceiling fan blade direction to counterclockwise. In warmer weather, when you are trying to cool down interior rooms or spaces, the blades should spin in this direction to help cool the air by providing a downdraft. While you are up there, fix any wobbly blades and dust them off if needed. Switch the blades back to clockwise when the weather turns cooler.
- Check and clean your indoor appliances. Make sure the hoses to your washer, dishwasher, icemaker, refrigerator, and icemaker don’t show any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or cracking. These hoses should be replaced every five years. And clean off accumulated dust or pet hair from the refrigerator coils under the fridge to help it run more efficiently.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace old batteries if necessary. More home safety checks that are easier to perform in the summer include chimney cleaning and testing any fire extinguishers.
- Wipe down and clean baseboards, using a damp cloth once a year as part of a deep clean of your home to keep dust and dirt from building up.
For more home tips or guidance if you plan to buy or sell your home, connect with Paige Bird, a local real estate agent who will find the right price for your house to maximize your profit and take care of you every step of the way. This year also marks Paige’s 20th year working in the real estate industry. During her tenure, she assisted more than 2,200 families in their home-buying and selling journeys. Paige is renowned for her extensive experience and commitment to high ethical standards, which uniquely positions her as the go-to agent for those looking to achieve their 2024 real estate goals.
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