by homewarranty.com
June 21 is Summer Solstice – marking the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer brings with it more time spent outdoors in warm weather, while trying to stay cool indoors. Take some time out to take care of a few chores to get your home in the swing of summer.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Have your HVAC system tuned up before the arrival of warm weather. Hire a trained professional for the inspection and maintenance. Check online for companies that offer discounts to homeowners who sign an agreement for spring and fall maintenance. Maintaining your HVAC system all year can save you from unexpected emergency repairs at very inconvenient times.
How to Celebrate Air Conditioning Appreciation Days
Check Your Lawn Sprinklers
Make sure your sprinkler system is operational before the hot weather hits. Run your system through all zones and walk your property to inspect your system. Make sure there are no broken or damaged heads. Adjust sprinkler heads that hit your house, windows, porches, and sidewalks.
Clean Your Outdoor Furniture
Whether your outdoor furniture spent the winter in the elements or in a storage shed, it’s probably less-than-inviting. Scrub down your chairs and tables with soap and water. Throw your washable cushions or cushion covers into the laundry. Replace worn-out cushions if necessary.
Replace Your A/C Filter
This is one system you will want to keep happy and humming all summer long. Change your AC filters every three months, or per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
Ceiling Fans
- Reverse their direction: The direction in which your ceiling fan spins makes a huge difference. Make sure your ceiling fan runs counter-clockwise in the summer so the breeze moves around the room.
- Clean the blades: Using a ladder, remove loose dust with a duster. Moisten a cloth with an all-purpose cleanser and wipe down each blade.
Clean Clothes Dryer Vent Pipe
Clear your dryer vents. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading factor contributing to the ignition of home fires involving clothes dryers was a failure to clean them. Reduce the risk by cleaning the lint screen, but more importantly, the lint vent, which is located at the back of most dryers.
Check Your Deck
If your deck is usually full of friends and family, you don’t want to have to worry about loose rails or wood decay.
- Railings – Make sure they are secure and properly attached.
- Decay – Spot-check several areas for split or decaying wood.
- Pests – Check for small boreholes or a powder resembling sawdust or wood shavings as this could be a sign of termites.
- The Flashing – Check the flashing for leaks or cracks. Water beneath the flashing can rot wood and weaken your deck’s foundation.