The Internet is amazing, isn’t it? You can find the answer to nearly any question with just a few key strokes. When we went looking for advice on summer home maintenance, we were inundated with information. Some of it was downright silly!
We agree with the contractor who says that the heaviest home maintenance comes in the fall and that pre-summer jobs should only deal with the systems and areas of your home that will get the most use during Southern Maryland’s warmer months.
Let’s dive in and do a quick tour around your home.
Start with the air conditioning system
When was the last time you changed your HVAC system filters? If you can’t remember or it’s been a while, do that first. You’ll find an easy-to-follow walk-through of the task at YouTube.com.
While you’re at the hardware store buying the filter, why not stock up and buy several? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests changing the HVAC filter once a month during periods of heavy use. Check out this information on how to choose the right filter for your needs at Gardenologist.org.
Finally, consider having the system tuned up by a professional. Fancy yourself more of a hands-on type? The EPA offers a list of tasks to help you do it yourself.
Ceiling fans and fuzz
That fuzz and dust on the blades of your ceiling fan is more than ugly and gross. It can actually slow down the blades’ rotation speed, “… cause the blades to wobble, and put some strain on the fan’s motor,” says Alan J. Heavens at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Since fans are located in the ceiling, keep safety in mind during the cleaning process. You’ll find lots of tips and advice in videos at YouTube.com
Before you open the windows
Check all of the windows in your home for cracked glass and rips in the screens.
Winter and spring can be brutal on your home’s exterior. Wind can hurl all kinds of projectiles at your home, and it doesn’t take much to tear a hole in a window screen.
You’ll want to throw open the windows on that first gloriously warm summer day, so fix windows and screens to be sure they let the fresh air in and keep the pests out.
Ensure safe summer entertaining
According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, nearly 225,000 injuries occur each year as the result of either a structural failure or collapse of a deck.
It’s not enough to check the deck’s surface; you will need to investigate the condition of the underneath as well. Find tips on what to look for and how to fix, here.
Prevent water waste
Landscape irrigation systems work hard over the summer months, so make sure yours is up to the task.
Check in-ground systems by following these tips provided by Region of Peel. Drip irrigation system leaks are a bit easier to detect and you can learn how from this excellent video on YouTube.com.
Next, check all the faucets for leaks, and then check your hoses for holes and other problems that may cause them to malfunction.
Summer pool care
Swimming pool maintenance is often left to professionals, but it doesn’t have to be. Check and perform the following tasks (we’ve linked to some handy information and tips for each one).
- Check pump and filter
- Clean out the skimmer basket
- Skim debris from the surface of the water
- Test the water
The wise homeowner will call out a professional at least once a year for a thorough check of the swimming pool. Summer is the ideal time to do this.
Gardens need maintenance, too
Pull and discard plants that didn’t make it through winter and spring. Then, deadhead spring annuals. Deadheading is the process of snipping off dead flowers, prompting the plant to bloom again.
Seek out garden pests, and get rid of them. Then, turn your attention to weeds and get rid of those as well.
Give your lawn a late-spring fertilization and aerate and dethatch if necessary.
Finally, clean up all debris and install a fresh layer of mulch. This helps discourage weed growth, insulates the soil from hot summer sun, and helps it retain moisture.
Kick off grilling season
Deep clean your outdoor grill so that it’s ready for grilling season. Whether it’s a gas or charcoal grill, you’ll find tips on giving it a thorough cleaning from Home Depot. They offer advice for cleaning a gas grill here, and charcoal grill owners are covered here.
Happy summer!
Hughesville MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309
