Get Your Home Ready For Summer

Summer is coming and you know what that means? Long days spent by the pool, ice pops to stay cool, and house and yard work. Definitely not as fun as the pool and tasty ice pops, but definitely just as important if you want to enjoy your summer without any house hiccups. We’ve compiled a list of the most important chores to prep your house for warm weather – and save you time and money in the long run.

1. Service Your Air Conditioner

You definitely don’t want something to go awry in the peak of the hot weather and definitely not when it’s related to your beloved air conditioner. Now is the best time to check out your air conditioning system to ensure it’ll keep you cool in the months ahead.

Checking and changing the system’s filter before running it all summer long can help avoid any potential of it to stop working during the summer. A clean filter will keep fresh, cool air all summer long. 

After changing the filter, turn on the unit and see how it’s running. With the changing seasons, your AC system probably hasn’t been turned on in months. Just like a car, you need to make sure it will turn on without a hitch.

2. Clean Windows and Screens

Snow, rain, sleet, hail, and any other winter weather can make your windows dirty and even ruin your window screens. Take the time to clean up your windows and replace any window screens that may have been ruined. To make those window panes sparkle, fill a spray bottle with window cleaning solution and use a newspaper or a squeegee to leave them streak-free.

While you’re cleaning, evaluate how your windows have fared through the winter. Look for signs of dry rot and water damage from melting snow and ice. Check the seals around windows as well, and re-caulk or replace damaged weather stripping where needed. This will go a long way toward keeping the hot air out and the cool air in as the weather gets warmer.

Finally, clean your window screens, inspect them, repair any damage, and reinstall them in your windows. Use a hose and mild detergent, but don’t pressure wash them. You can repair damaged screens with a kit you can purchase at most home improvement or hardware stores.

3. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing

Continue your house chores outdoors with the inspection of outdoor spigots. We’re sure you’ll be using the hose quite a bit this summer and it’s important to know beforehand if you have a problem with your pipes or not. 

4. Get Summer Tools Ready

When we think of summer, we think of beautiful, green mowed lawns. That smell of freshly cut grass is the smell of summer. With that being said, make sure your equipment is ready to bring on the smell of summer.

For gas mowers and edgers, clean the equipment and change the gas if you forgot to empty it at the end of the lawn care season. 

If your mower and edger are electric, inspect the cords for frays or cuts, and turn them on to be sure the equipment works.

5. Inspect Your Roof and Home’s Exterior

No matter where you may live, winter weather has different levels of harshness, something your roof may not be ready for. A quick look at your roof and home’s exterior could reveal minor problems that have begun over the winter, which you can have repaired before they become major issues.

Check for misaligned, cracked, or missing shingles, all of which can let water seep in. Also, check flashing for rust, and inspect the caulk around pipes or skylights to be sure it hasn’t cracked.

After you’ve finished inspecting the roof, examine the rest of your home’s exterior. Consider pressure washing your home if it needs it. Then check the exterior paint for chipping. Scrape and touch up any places that have exposed wood, to prevent rot.

6. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

While you’re assessing the outside of your home, check on your gutters and downspouts. Winter can be tough on them, and damage can lead to leaks that let water in your basement or crawl space or cause wood rot around the gutters.

To clean them out yourself, scoop the gunk out of the gutters. Once you’ve gotten as much out as you can, hose out the gutters and let the water run out through the downspout. Use the hose to force out clogs.

Be sure water from the downspouts flows away from your house to keep it from collecting around the foundation. As dirty as this job can be, it’s one that can save a lot of headaches and bigger problems down the road.

With all of the yard work done, it’s time to chill out and enjoy it. Pop open the grill, throw some burgers on it, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather!