Summer begins this month, so it’s time to start your summer home maintenance checklist. Even if you are not considering selling your home, there are plenty of summer home maintenance projects needed to keep your home in optimum condition. These are some of the suggestions provided by Jim Giuffre, a local home inspector.
Interior
- Reverse your ceiling fan’s direction so it pulls air upward
- Clean your dryer vents
- Replace HVAC filters regularly
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan during showers
- Check the operation of any attic fans and roof-mounted turbine vents
- Inspect appliance hoses and ventilation
- Drain water heater and remove sediment from tank
- Test circuit breakers
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep. Do it before the fall, as there’s plenty of time for repairs and you’ll have an easier time scheduling appointments.
- Inspect your house for signs of termite infestation if they are prevalent in your area.
- Check your basement or crawl space for dampness and/or leaking.
- Have your air conditioning unit checked and serviced to ensure proper cooling during the hot summer months.
Exterior
- Inspect all outdoor recreational equipment and review safety tips
- Clean outdoor patio furniture and grilling equipment
- Have roof flashing, caulking and shingles inspected in preparation
for the storms - Inspect caulking around windows, doors, and any openings
into the home - Switch to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs
- Plant a shade tree next to your outside air condition unit
- Clear leaves and other debris away from your outdoor air-conditioning unit(s).
- Disconnect your air conditioner and wash off the fins on the outside.
- Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors
- Clean and seal decks, which will require three sunny days.
- Clean the porch. Give it a good sweeping and washing. Repaint if you have cracked or chipped paint.
- Wash your siding using an ordinary garden hose and a mild detergent. Be careful if using a pressure washer, as it can damage the siding or force water under siding, encouraging mildew and rot.
- Check for cracks on brick veneer that are wider than 1/16 inch.
- Remove vines growing on the house, siding, brick or mortar.
- Check vinyl and aluminum siding for cracks or damage.
- Check your yard’s grading to assure that water drains away from your home’s foundation.
- Summer is the perfect time to paint your siding if the paint is cracked and/or peeling.
- Clean the gutters on your house and garage.
- Check to make sure your sump pump is operating correctly, if you have one.
- Get your pool ready for summer by cleaning it, leveling the water, ensuring pumps are working and balancing the chemicals.
- If you didn’t do it in the spring, then it’s time to dewinterize your sprinkler system.
- Wash your exterior windows. You can use a window cleaner that attaches right to the hose to reach high windows.
- Check exterior faucets and hoses for leaks, which can really add to your water bill.
- Clean out and organize the garage. Properly dispose of any hazardous materials, such as paints and solvents.
- Inspect driveways and walkways for cracks and holes, and have them repaired.
