With warm weather upon you and the gorgeous sun shining high in the sky, the last thing you want to do is worry about something going wrong in your home. Instead of spending your precious time dealing with problems, take a proactive approach and tackle your home maintenance checklist head-on so you can enjoy the beauty of the season. Follow these tips to get started.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Summer and stifling heat inside your home should not go hand-in-hand. Cool breezes and fresh, crisp air indoors are more like the vibe you want to experience. Before summer begins, or even if it has already ticked past the opening date on the calendar, you should schedule an HVAC tune-up. The HVAC professionals can clean the unit, replace air filters, and conduct an assessment to determine the overall health of this major appliance. Having your HVAC maintained annually also gives you a chance to establish a rapport with a trusted company, just in case you need an air conditioning repair on a moment’s notice. Knowing who to call will save you a lot of time and energy, and you will know the repairs will be done right the first time.
Inspect and Repair the Deck
Whether you have a relatively new PVC deck or a traditional wooden one, you should take the time at the end of spring and beginning of summer to give it a thorough inspection. Look for signs of wear and tear and damage. Crawl underneath, if you have access, and assess the bottom for rodent and insect activity. Pay special attention to soft and squeaky boards, steps, and railings. Replace anything that is damaged to ensure ongoing safety for everyone who will use the deck. Clean it with a garden hose or pressure washer, depending on the decking material. Once everything is dry, go ahead and re-stain a wooden deck and seal it for the season.
Clean the Dryer Vent
Dryer filters and vents have a way of accumulating dust, debris, and hair, even if you are vigilant about cleaning the filter out after each use. Cleaning your dryer vent and attached duct annually at the same time each year, such as right before the busyness of summer is upon you, is a good way to ensure this important maintenance activity is done. The best part is that cleaning it will not take long at all. The hardest part might be moving the dryer out if you have a tight space to work in. Enlist the help of your teenagers and put them to work in the small space while teaching them an essential home ownership job.
Watch this short video to learn how to clean your dryer’s vent and duct.
These are but a few of the many summer home maintenance tasks you should take care of every season. When you take a positive and proactive approach to caring for your home, you will have fewer problems to deal with and more time to spend doing what you love.
