Summer Home Maintenance To-Do List
As a home owner it can be intimidating to think about all the various tasks that come with keeping up with your home maintenance. The good news is that you can do the majority of it on your own without much experience. YouTube and Google can certainly help you out if you are a first time home buyer. If you really get stuck, call your local handyman to help you out.
In order to maximize your efficiency and actually get all of these tasks done, you might want to create a home maintenance calendar for yourself. Whether online or on paper, you can jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend and not be too overwhelmed. Do what works for you and your schedule, and as long as all these things get accomplished, your home will be happy for years to come.
Air Conditioner Drain Line: This is probably one of the most important tips! To prevent water from backing up in your home, it’s important in the summer to clean the AC drain line regularly with bleach. If the drain does become clogged, use a wet/dry shop vac to remove the clog, then pour a cup of bleach down the access pipe to kill anything else that might be growing in there.
Prune Shrubs Around AC Units Air conditioning units and heat pumps require plenty of air circulation to work efficiently, so it’s important to keep shrubs trimmed back away from the unit. Make sure there’s at least 18” of room around the sides of the air conditioner, and three feet or more above the unit.
Replacing the air filter on your air conditioner every 1-3 months allows the system to run more efficiently and keeps the air in your home clean. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans & Clean the dust
Yes, you can do this. Our pick for the easiest summer home maintenance item is one of the most often overlooked by homeowners. Did you know that nearly all ceiling fans allow you to change the direction of the fan with a quick flip of a switch? It’s a good idea to reverse the direction of your ceiling fan during the summer so that it spins counter-clockwise. This pushes the air straight down, creating a nice breeze. To do so, shut off the fan and wait for the blades to come to a complete stop. Once everything is still, use a ladder or step stool to locate the direction switch; this will probably be on the side of the fan above the blades. Flip the switch in the opposite direction and then turn the fan back on. If you’ve ever been disappointed with the air you get from a ceiling fan, the fix may be as simple as switching the direction. Also be sure to clean up the dust from the blades.
Clean Walkways and Driveways
The key to cleaning a patio, driveway and walkway is to use a pressure washer. Before you get out your pressure washer or renting one from a home improvement store, it is a good idea to check these areas for cracks and weeds. You’ll be amazed at how a quick pressure washing can breathe new life into dark or dingy concrete or patios. And regularly cleaning your walkways and driveways can actually increase the lifespan of the material, and prevent any costly deck or concrete replacement.
Yard Maintenance: Add a layer of mulch to keep weeds down and help the ground retain its moisture in the heat. It’ll give your plants a chance to grow. Train your garden to endure dry days by watering deeply a couple times a week, instead of watering lightly daily. This style of watering will promote the growth of deep, strong roots.
Check Your Windows
An easy summer home maintenance task to perform is to check your home windows to ensure that the hot summer heat stays outside. Feel all the way around your windows for drafts of warm air and also look for moisture between the panes or inside your windows. Also, don’t forget to check the sealants and ensure that both inside and out are secured, and caulk any open areas in between. Check weather-stripping for any faults and replace them immediately if there is an issue. Taking care of windows will keep your home looking and feeling good, and save you a lot of money on your air conditioning bills. If you do find a haze or moisture inside your windows, consider calling a glass replacement company. It can save you a lot of money to simply have glass and seals replaced vs. installing completely new windows.
Water and Icemaker Filters: Replace disposable water filters on your water filtration system and/or icemaker as recommended by the manufacturer (usually every six months). This will keep mold and mildew from growing in the filter and keep your water clean, fresh, and flowing freely.
Hot Water Heater: Sediment buildup can shorten the life of a water heater and raise your energy bills, so it’s a good idea to drain the water heater each year to remove sediment from the tank. Turn off the power (or gas) and water to the heater, attach a garden hose to the drain valve, and run the water outside. In addition inspect the water heater for leaks, make sure the vent pipe on gas water heaters is clear, and test the pressure relief valve to make sure it works and doesn’t leak.
Clean Grill: Get ready for summer barbecues by cleaning and repairing the gas grill. Scrub the grates with liquid grill cleaner, and clean the burners and burner covers with a wire brush. You can also use vinegar and aluminum foil to clean a grill. Use a toothpick to clean the holes on the burners to ensure even cooking.
