Summer House Maintenance Checklist
November 27, 2024 | Posted by: Sherry Corbitt
As the summer days are beginning, we all are ready to enjoy the warmer weather. During the summer, though, there are many house maintenance tasks that you can do. This will help keep your home both safe and prevent any serious damage.
Replacing Air Conditioning Filter
One of the first things that may come to mind with the warmer weather is your air conditioning. Before turning it on, make sure that you inspect the filter. Your filter should be switched every three months to every year, depending on your air conditioner. The filter should be changed during this period so that the machine does not run into any difficulties. Of course, in Canada we only have it running for a few short months. It will undoubtedly be worth it to spend the money on new filters instead of a brand new air conditioner for your house.
Cleaning Vents
Although overlooked at times, cleaning out your vents is essential. When ducts get filled up, they will be overworked and can reduce the air quality in your house. Filled vents can also lead to fire hazards if they get too heated. Taking the time to clean out your vents will undoubtedly lower the risk of damage. If you happen to have high level vents in your home, you may require a ladder. For your safety, ensure that you have someone holding the bottom of the ladder.
Testing Smoke Detectors
This is a maintenance task that should be done every season. There are thousands of fires that occur in Canada every year. Many of these fires could have been prevented if the smoke detectors were functioning. The main reason a smoke detector will malfunction is when they are neglected. In the summertime, especially before it gets very hot, make sure that you double-check your smoke detectors and add in new batteries if necessary. If there is a problem with the actual smoke detector, take the time to buy and install new detectors. It is also essential that you have smoke detectors in all rooms of your home. This will ensure that you can be aware of a fire starting in any area of your home.
Inspecting Your Trees
After the major storm we had in May, many houses were damaged by trees that fell. Some of these trees affected electric wires, properties, and even homes. Depending on the damage, these repairs could cost thousands. To avoid dealing with a significant financial disaster, make sure that you check the trees on your property. Look out for any older and larger trees and ones that especially are leaning towards your house. If you notice some trees that need to go, decide if you can cut them down safely yourself or hire a team to come and cut them down.
Driveway Staining
This is optional, depending on what type of driveway you have. If you have a typical concrete driveway, you may want to consider staining this summer. Although this is not a necessary task to do for your house, it certainly will enhance the look of your property. You can stain your driveway yourself as a personal project, yet there are companies you can hire in the Durham Region.
Fertilizing Your Lawn
After a harsh winter and wet spring months, your lawn will need some care. Although this can be an overlooked task, skipping this can have adversely affects. Fertilizing your property is the best way to help your grass grow and flourish. Fertilizing your lawn twice, at the beginning of summer and the end of summer will be best for your grass and gardens.
We all are looking forward to the summer and enjoying as much of the sun as possible. Yet make sure that you put these maintenance tasks into place to guarantee the welfare of your property. Please reach out to me if you have any questions, I am always here to help with your mortgage needs!
Your Broker for Life,
Sherry Corbitt
Sources:
Judson, Mark (2021). A Summer Home Maintenance Checklist. Modernize Home Services. Retrieved from https://modernize.com/homeowner-resources/summer-home-maintenance-checklist
