Give Your Air Conditioner a Checkup
With the increased temperatures, make sure your air conditioning unit is in working order. It is recommended to have your HVAC system inspected yearly to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you haven’t already, replace your air filter to make sure the whole system runs smoothly. Clear any debris on or around your vents or exhausts, and clean off any dirt from the main unit outside.
Set Up a Barrier for Bugs
Make sure your home is properly sealed by checking the caulking around your windows and doors. If you need to, fix any drafts or gaps with new weather stripping and caulking. Spray your outdoor perimeter with a pesticide. Make sure to read all the applicable warnings on the pesticide. You can also look into making your own DIY natural repellent.
Change Your Ceiling Fan Direction
Did you know your ceiling fan is designed to rotate differently depending on the season? During the winter, your fan should rotate clockwise to help distribute heat that’s risen.
In the summer, though, you should run your fan counter-clockwise at higher speeds to get a breeze going.
Indoor Maintenance
- Fireplace: Remove any ash and have the chimney swept.
- Smoke detectors: Change the batteries and check that detectors are working.
- Water heater: Inspect for leaks or corrosion.
- Electrical outlets: Check outlets and cords for frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Fuse boxes and extension cords also should be checked to make sure they are not overloaded.
- Dryer: Clean lint build-up from the clothes dryer exhaust duct and the space under the dryer. Use a specialized brush to clean out the vent pipe.
- Windows: Let the sun shine in through clean windows all over the house.
Outdoor Maintenance
- Roof: Check for loosened shingles or any damage from snow or ice, and make repairs now to reduce the possibility of leaks.
- Gutters: Clean leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing and reduce the possibility of water damage.
- Trees: Visually inspect trees for damage or rot and remove, or have professionally removed, any dead trees or limbs. Be sure all healthy trees and bushes are trimmed and away from utility wires.
- Lawn Equipment: Make sure lawn mowers, tractors and other equipment are tuned up before using. Store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.
- Walkways and Driveways: Repair any cracks and broken or uneven surfaces to provide a safe, level walking area.