Six Home Maintenance Tasks That Should Be Completed Before The Summer Heat
Summer represents a marked change in the way the heat and moisture from rain affects your home. These weather-related elements can influence your energy usage, make certain projects harder to complete, and create problems that could become costly. Let’s take a look at six home maintenance tasks you should complete before summer arrives on your doorstep.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have lifespans limited by the charge of their battery and the nature of the unit. These elements may need to be replaced to ensure your home can continue being safe. Before summer arrives, check your detectors. If you run into a problem, get it fixed before it becomes a hazard to your welfare.
Inspect and Maintain Air Conditioners
Ensure that the condenser coil is clean. Leaves, sticks and other debris can damage it if the unit is turned on while these items are present. Another aspect to maintain is the condensate line for your air conditioner. If it backs up when the first hot day hits, then you could be left with a large amount of water damage. If your air conditioner is more than five years old, then you may consider fixing it up or installing a new system altogether. Air conditioners tend to become more markedly more efficient every five to ten years. Professionals like those at HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric can help with installations and maintenance.
Check the Roof
Summer represents a time when tough winds and torrential downpours could happen. The last thing you want is a leak. Take the time to check your roof for any damage. Broken shingles, nails that are coming up, and minor leaks on the underlayment of your roof should be addressed before you summer hits.
Maintain the Windows
Windows tend to become neglected as the weather becomes warmer. This is because most people find it too cold to go outside to caulk and clean their windows. Start by cleaning your windows. Use a small paintbrush to reach hard-to-reach areas. Inspect your weather stripping next. Replace any stripping that is old, warped or cracked. This will help your home retain cold air while keeping heat out. Caulk your windows with silicone or silicone with acrylic caulking. This will help to make your house even more weatherproof.
Check the Deck
Summer is the time when many homeowners finally begin using their decks for everything from parties to stargazing. Inspect your deck for nails and screws that may have worked their way upwards. Push them back into the wood. Check your deck by sprinkling some water on it. If the water beads, then your deck is sealed enough to resist rot from being exposed to water. If it soaks in, then consider refinishing and resealing your deck.
Look for Leaks
The last point of pre-summer maintenance should be to look for leaks in and around your home. Water bills tend to be the highest during the summer because of water’s relative scarcity. The easiest way to check for leaks is to turn everything off in your home. You can then see if your water meters run to see if you have a leak. If you suspect you might have a leak, then check the pipes under your home, your faucets and any place where there may be a perishable rubber o-ring keeping water back.
Summer is something you should anticipate each year. Letting it surprise you is something that could be costly and troublesome. By addressing the six maintenance tasks listed above, you will be in good standing when summer comes. Your house will look great while ensuring you’re comfortable and your bills are as small as they can be.