Summer is one of the busiest times of year – not just for us, but for our homes too. Whether it be throwing the latest neighborhood barbecue or just having a nice meal in with friends, you want to rest assured knowing that your home is looking great and functioning at its best.
Here are a few ways that you can make the most of your home improvement skills to get your property ready for the summer heat.
Inspect Your Windows
Throughout the colder months, the windows of your home are prone to water damage from ice and snow, which can also lead to dry rot or mold. Therefore, it’s a good idea to clean and check your windows at the beginning of summer so that you can identify any issues sooner rather than later. Make sure to check the sealants of your windows to ensure that they’re secure both inside and out. You also want to pay special attention to the weather-stripping and replace it if there are any faults. Not only does cleaning and checking your windows keep your house looking good, but it also helps keep the cool air inside when it’s hot outside.
Replace Your Air Filters
Talking about keeping the cool air inside your home, you definitely want to start off your summer right by replacing your home’s filters within your HVAC unit. The summer is the toughest season for our air conditioning units as they have to work harder to keep our houses cool whilst the temperature outside rises. You want your unit to be working as efficiently as possible to keep you comfortable in your own home. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check and replace the air filters within your unit to prevent the build-up of additional dust and debris. Since the unit removes bacteria from the atmosphere, this can easily build up on the filters themselves and restrict airflow. This causes the unit to work even harder and will cost you a lot more money on your utilities. To save yourself the extra hassle and cut down on your bills, make sure to replace your air filter so that your HVAC unit is its best shape for summer. If your family happens to suffer from pollen allergies, it’s also worth checking the quality of your air filter to ensure that it meets your needs and keeps your air as clean as possible.
Tidy Your Gutters
Throughout winter, a lot of leaves and other external debris can collect in your house’s gutters and cause them to clog. This can easily lead to unnecessary leaks or wood rot due to water building up and not having anywhere to go. The beginning of summer is the perfect time to assess the outside of your home and clear out your gutters if they’re blocked by any foliage or clutter. Whilst you’re up there, you can also inspect your roofing and pipes for any wear and tear so that you can fix or replace any holes to prevent future leaks. Whilst it can be quite the job, it’s definitely worth doing as it’ll save you time and money in the long run.
As we approach summer, home maintenance is just as important as ever as we leave behind the colder months and enter the warmer ones. From checking your roof for leaks to replacing your air filters, these simple tasks will make sure your home is in its best shape.
Author: Angela Smith
