Yay, summer officially starts on June 21st! Now is the time to get a head start on the season by taking care of all your home chores now. These to-dos cover many of the basics, leaving you with more time for fun as summer moves into full swing. Here are your most important home chores to check off your list for summer:
Homeownership is something to feel proud of. Your home is a haven for you and your family and it helps build wealth over time. But it also comes with its share of responsibilities in order to keep your home in tip-top shape. Here are a few pointers:
CREATE A SUMMER FUN LIST
This will identify all the fun things you and your family want to do over the summer and help keep you on track. A big chalkboard or family bulletin board is ideal.
CHECK EQUIPMENT FOR SAFETY
Over time equipment can degrade. Keep things safe by checking swings, zip lines, slides and other structures for safety; repair or replace as needed.
SCHEDULE A MAINTENANCE REVIEW FOR YOUR COOLING SYSTEM
Take the time before hot weather sets in to dust ceiling fans, install window air-conditioning units and schedule maintenance for a whole-house cooling system. (Most home warranties include this service.)
CHECK IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
A faulty sprinkler or irrigation hose that goes unnoticed can quickly cause big problems for your lawn, garden and water bill. Prevention pays off!
CLEAN OUT GARAGES & SHEDS
More time outdoors means you’ll be using your outdoor storage areas regularly. Get things cleaned, organized and/or thrown out for better efficiency.
ORGANIZE SEASONAL GEAR
Camping, beach trips, and summer sports are here! Make sure your gear is easy to reach and ready to go.
SCHEDULE BIG OUTDOOR PROJECTS
Looking to build a new deck or repaint the house? Now is the time to get those things on the schedule before contractors are booked up.
CLEAN GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS
Especially if this didn’t get done in the fall! Damaged gutters lead to damaged siding and foundations.
CHECK & REPLACE SCREENS
Hotter weather leads to more open windows and sliders. Make sure screens are in good shape to avoid unwelcome house guests (like flies and wasps).
PREPARE YOUR “GO BAG”
Hot summer weather comes with its share of weather-related natural disasters. This is the time of year for fire storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. Don’t be caught off-guard; make sure you have vital documents, belongings, and survival necessities (like non-perishable food and water) ready to go at a moment’s notice.
EMPTY STANDING WATER
Do this on a regular basis. Keep mosquito populations down by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it.
HOMEOWNER TIPS
Best Thermostat Setting for a Heatwave
What is the best setting to keep your HVAC from being overworked and your energy bills from being sky-high?
Experts and the Department of Energy say the magic number is 78 °F during the day when you’re at home. If possible, set your thermostat to 82°F when you’re sleeping and 85°F when you’re away. For older adults and infants a slightly cooler setting of 76°F is recommended. Better yet, use a “smart” thermostat that is programmed to your preferences and adjusts automatically.