Summer is here, and the Farmer’s Almanac says it’s going to be an extra hot one. Is your home ready to take on the heat of summer?
Here in Colorado, summers are brutal. Make sure your home is in pristine shape with our one-stop summer home checklist.
Check Your Air Conditioner
There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner failing when temps are in the high 90s. That’s why it’s vital to have it checked or inspected in the spring to get it ready for those extra hot days.
Also important? Make sure your system has a clean filter. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder, which costs you more money. You should change these filters every 2-4 months.
If you weren’t using it during the winter, turn your air on to see how it’s running. Make sure you hear it click on and see the thermostat go down. You may want to call a pro for an annual checkup just to make sure everything is in proper working order. They may be able to fix a small issue before it becomes a big one.
Prepare Your Summer Tools
You and your family might be outdoors a lot this season. You need to keep your lawn nice, which means getting your lawn mower and edger ready. It’s time to give your tools a spring tune-up.
Clean all the equipment and change the gas. Replace any spark plugs and get new oil and air filters. Either sharpen your mower blade yourself or take it to a mower repair shop. If your mower and edger are electric, inspect the cords for frays or cuts, and turn them on to be sure they work.
Wipe down and lubricate any hand tools like pruners, shears, hoes, shovels, and rakes. Make sure they are dry before you put them away to avoid rusting.
Clean Your Grill
Nothing says “summer” like burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Give your favorite outdoor appliance some love by getting it cleaned up and ready for all of those barbecues.
If you have a charcoal grill, empty it out and wipe off any residue. Scrub the inside and outside with hot, soapy water and a scrub brush. Make sure your grill is completely dry before using it.
For gas grills, turn the heat up high and close the lid. Let the grill cook off any dirt for about 30 minutes. Then let the grill cool down and use a grill brush to scrape off any excess debris. Lastly, clean the drip trays and wipe down the outside of the grill.
If you use a gas grill, make sure you have a new propane tank to make sure you don’t run out while in the midst of grilling. You should also make sure you have enough charcoal coals for your charcoal grill.
Wash Your Porch
Fallen leaves, dirt, debris, and pollen have done a number on your porch. Start with a good sweep, then wash it down with cleaner. You can remove any stubborn dirt by scrubbing with warm water and mild soap.
This is also the perfect time to refresh your home’s curb appeal with some seasonal flowers.
Check Your Deck
Make sure your boards are sturdy and in good condition. Replace any rotted boards and hammer down loose nails.
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that summer will bring lots of thunderstorms. Check that your deck is water-ready by pouring some water on it. If the water beads up, the deck should be good for the year. If the water disappears into the wood, you’ll need to reseal the deck to prevent any water damage.
Inspect Your Home’s Exterior and Roof
Take a quick look at your roof—including the flashing, shingles, and chimney—to check for any damage. If you don’t want to scramble around on the roof, a trustworthy home inspector should be able to look it over for you.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen this comprehensive summer home checklist, it’s time to get your home ready for the summer heat.
If you want a professional to inspect your home or you are thinking about selling, contact Pine Breeze Inspections today to schedule an appointment and get your home in top shape.