As the last of the winter chill fades away and the days start to grow longer, it’s time to start thinking about the summer season. Conducting the proper home maintenance for summer not only makes it comfortable and ready for those scorching hot days, but it also safeguards your home against potential damages. So, to help you prepare your home for the sweltering heat, we have compiled an essential checklist full of summer home tips that covers everything from cleaning gutters to dealing with summer pests.
Quick Links
1. Gutter Cleaning: Protect Your Home from Summer Storms
A crucial yet often overlooked aspect of summer home preparation is cleaning the gutters. Why, you might ask? Because clogged gutters can lead to leaks and siding damage during summer storms. Leaves and debris from the fall and winter can accumulate and obstruct the flow of water. When this happens, water can overflow, damaging your house’s siding and foundation. So, before summer arrives, make sure to clean out your gutters thoroughly to ensure proper water flow and avoid unexpected leaks and damages.
2. Summer Pest Control: Effective Strategies
No summer preparation is complete without addressing those unwelcome guests – summer pests. As temperatures rise, so do the populations of various pests like mosquitoes and ticks. However, with the right strategies, you can effectively keep these nuisances at bay.
Mosquitoes – Eliminate Breeding Grounds: Mosquitoes are notorious summer pests that breed in stagnant water. To prevent an infestation, conduct a thorough inspection of your home and yard. Look for areas where water tends to accumulate, such as birdbaths, flower pots, gutters, and even old tires. Regularly empty and clean these items to prevent mosquitoes from making them their breeding grounds.
Ticks – Maintain Your Lawn With the Right Tools: Ticks, fleas and other pests have a liking for tall grasses and thick vegetation. One of the easiest ways to deter them is by properly maintaining your lawn. Regular mowing and trimming of grass and bushes helps keep your home not only beautiful but also nuisance-free.
If you’re in search of a new lawnmower, we’ve got you covered. Check out our comprehensive review of the best electric lawnmowers on the market. Our guide will help you choose the perfect mower to keep your lawn well-maintained throughout the summer.
Natural Insect Repellents: Consider using natural insect repellents in your home and yard. Certain plants, like citronella, marigolds, and lavender, are known to repel mosquitoes and other pests. Planting these around your yard can serve a dual purpose – beautifying your space and keeping pests away.
3. Schedule Major Outdoor Projects Early
Summer is a busy season for contractors. Everybody wants to get their outdoor projects done when the weather is warm, leading to a massive rush. To avoid disappointment, plan your outdoor projects early and book contractors well in advance. This way, you ensure that your projects get completed in good time and you’re not left stranded in the contractor rush.
4. First Aid and Emergency Supplies
Summer brings along its share of storms, power outages, and other pitfalls.
To ensure you’re prepared, here’s what you need:
- A well-stocked first-aid kit
- Emergency supplies like non-perishable food items, bottled water, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio
- Check out the American Red Cross’s checklist for a comprehensive guide on stocking your first-aid kit
5. Home Cooling Maintenance for Summer
With the arrival of the summer heat, your home’s cooling systems become an essential part of keeping your living space comfortable and relaxing. It’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance of these systems, which primarily include ceiling fans and air conditioning (AC) units, to ensure optimal performance throughout the season.
Ceiling Fans: Dust off and Switch Directions
Ceiling fans are a simple, energy-efficient solution for maintaining a cool home in summer. Dust accumulated over the dormant winter period can cause your fans to work less efficiently, so start your summer home preparation by giving them a good clean.
Equally important is ensuring your fans are set to run in the correct direction. In the warmer months, your ceiling fans should be running counterclockwise. This pushes cool air down, creating a wind-chill effect that helps cool the room.
AC Units: Regular Maintenance is Key
Your AC units work hard during the hot weather to keep your home’s temperature at a comfortable level. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting for leaks, and ensuring the unit is running efficiently, is crucial in preparing your home for the hot weather.
Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC unit to work harder and consume more energy. Replace or clean them regularly to maintain optimal performance and energy efficiency. Also, check the external part of your AC unit for any debris or obstruction that might affect its functioning.
6. Screen Doors: Fresh Air and Bug-Free
With the warming weather, it’s time to enjoy the cool breeze and natural ventilation that the summer season allows. And there’s no better way to do this than by utilizing screen doors in your home.
From Storm Doors to Screen Doors
If you’ve been using storm doors during the colder months, it’s time to switch them out as part of your summer home preparation. Screen doors offer the perfect solution for keeping your home cool and airy. They allow for a refreshing cross-breeze while still providing a barrier against bugs and pests.
Before installation, take some time to inspect your screen doors for any potential damage. Look for holes or tears that might have occurred during storage. If you find any, repair or replace them promptly. This will ensure maximum efficiency in keeping your home bug-free.
The Dual Benefit of Screen Doors
Screen doors are not only beneficial for promoting better air circulation, they’re also an environmentally friendly solution to summer cooling. By letting in the cool breeze, you can reduce your reliance on electric fans or air conditioning, leading to significant energy savings. Plus, the added sunlight can even help lower your lighting costs during the day.
7. Check Your Irrigation Systems
When it comes to summer home preparation, ensuring the efficiency of your irrigation system holds a key place. Regular maintenance checks can help you avoid leaky sprinklers or hoses that not only waste water but also inflate your utility bills.
Inspect, Repair, and Enjoy Green
Start by inspecting your irrigation system for any visible leaks or damages. Sprinkler heads are particularly prone to damage, so check for any that are broken, clogged, or misaligned. Regularly maintaining your irrigation system not only conserves water but also ensures that your lawn and garden stay lush and healthy throughout the hot summer months.
