Your home maintenance schedule should cater to the natural arc of the seasons, opening up in the spring and hunkering down for the winter. As your home comes to life this summer, continue to check off these small seasonal tasks using the list below.
1. CLEAN/CHANGE AC FILTERS
Prepare for the heat by cleaning and/or changing the AC filters in your home. Doing so allows the air entering your system to be properly filtered. Also, if you haven’t had your HVAC system serviced by a professional, it’s a great time to schedule a full system maintenance!
2. INSPECT AND TREAT FOR INSECTS AND PESTS
When inspecting for pests in your home, look for telltale signs such as droppings, nesting, and gnaw marks. Next, examine vents and the cracks/cervices around windows and door frames. Lastly, look around torn or missing window screens and gaps around pipes and wires.
3. CHECK WINDOWS AND DOOR WEATHER STRIPPING
Keep the cool air inside your home by checking and, if necessary, resealing the weather stripping on your windows and doors. In addition to comfort, energy efficiency is a great way to reduce energy bills.
4. INSPECT BACKYARD PLAY EQUIPMENT
Maintaining safe children’s play equipment is essential to reducing injuries. Check that nuts and bolts are tightened and cover with protective caps. Additionally, look for deterioration in ropes, chains, or cables and repair if necessary.
5. LOOK FOR DECK/PATIO DETERIORATION
Some common indications that it’s time to repair your deck/patio include; rotted wood, loose floorboards, wobbly railings, and damaged posts. If you missed your springtime pressure wash, summer is also a great time to clean off any grime that has accumulated on your decks and patios.
6. EXAMINE YOUR (INDOOR) HOSES
These include hoses from your washer, dehumidifier, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Hoses with signs of wear and tear, leaks, or cracking should be replaced. Generally, expect to replace hoses every 3-5 years but regularly check them for signs of potential issues.
7. TEST SMOKE ALARMS AND CO DETECTORS
Testing the detectors in your home should be done each month. Building this responsibility into your summer maintenance routine can ensure that it’s not overlooked. In addition to testing them, the batteries in smoke alarms and CO detectors should be changed every six months to ensure they continue to operate. We recommend changing them in the spring/fall.
8. ESTABLISH A HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCY PLAN
Discuss with your family where you will meet if you need to evacuate your home quickly and what the escape routes are from the house. Designate a contact person outside of the family that everyone can call in needed. Review your plan with your family annually.
