You’ve been waiting for summer all year, but just how prepared is your home? You’re probably planning for a beach trip or some time to unplug, not a bug invasion or a sprinkler leak… All it takes is a little elbow grease in the meantime to ensure this summer goes off without a hitch!
1) Service the A/C
Your air conditioner requires regular maintenance but was likely pushed to the wayside at the first sign of cooler weather. To give it a refresh (opens in a new window), clean or replace dirty, clogged filters that may be blocking airflow. While you’re at it, check your evaporator coil. Dirt accumulates on the coil, also reducing airflow and ability to absorb heat. Purchase a “fin comb” and comb any bent aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils back into place. Finally, thread a stiff wire through the A/C drain channels. Any blockage in these channels will limit humidity reducing abilities, and risk discoloring walls or carpet.
2) Clean windows
You can’t enjoy the warm summer sun without sparkling, clean windows (opens in a new window)! Remove dust and lint from the area and mix a solution of white vinegar and hot water. Dip a sponge in the solution and wet the windows, following with vertical squeegee strokes. Finish by wiping sills with all-purpose cleaner and water.
3) Rotate ceiling fan blades
If you’re hoping to keep cool this summer, while also saving some cold hard cash, you’ll want to make sure your ceiling fan is in tip-top shape (opens in a new window). As the weather warms, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan counterclockwise. Stand directly under the fan and feel for a slight cool breeze. When fan blades rotate in this direction a wind-chill effect is produced, subtly making you feel cooler.
4) Pest-proof your home
Nothing ruins summer fun like unwelcome house guests, and when it comes to pest prevention (opens in a new window) the best offense is a good defense. Store all accessible food in sealed containers and tightly cover trash cans. Don’t let water accumulate anywhere in the home, including sinks and tubs. Seal off places where pests could get in with caulk or steel wool. If you do end up using a pesticide, do your research and spray safely and correctly.
5) Prepare the backyard
If you didn’t get around to spring cleaning the exterior (opens in a new window), there’s no time like the present. Whether power washing the deck or installing some tiki torches, your backyard should be the life of the party this summer. You can also check furniture stores for deals on patio decor, or maybe even bust out the grill (opens in a new window)!
6) Test your sprinklers
Speaking of the yard… If you haven’t done so already, check up on your sprinkler system (opens in a new window). Inspect sprinkler heads and replace any that are clogged, broken or missing. Then, check for leaks where they connect to pipes or hoses. Aim each sprinkler toward the lawn, and away from the driveway, house, and sidewalk, and update your system’s watering schedule for the coming months. After all, no summer is complete without lush, green grass!
Blog Credit: Motto Mortgage…. www.mottomortgage.com (opens in a new window)
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