The warmer weather is on its way, and it will be here to stay for the next few months! As a homeowner, there are some home maintenance projects you should explore to ensure your home is in tip-top shape as we head into the summer season. Below, we’ll highlight 8 important ways to prep your house for the sunny days ahead.
1- Tune Up Your A/C
The hot summer days can be a stressor on your HVAC system, so it must be operating properly and efficiently before things get too warm. Many HVAC companies offer a tune-up special in the spring and early summer to check your unit for any potential issues. Finding out about any concerns before you need the air conditioning running 24/7 is key!
2- Take Care of Your Lawn
Lawn maintenance is a year-round project, but there’s a lot that can be done over the summer to keep your lawn looking lush and green. From weed control to pest prevention, fertilizing the grass, and keeping it properly watered, there is always something that can be done to improve and maintain the look of your yard in the heat of summer!
3- Weatherproof Your Windows & Doors
A lot of energy can be lost through doors that aren’t properly sealed or windows with a gap at the base. You can use simple weather-stripping around these cracks, or in some areas, use caulking to seal off any leaks between inside and outside.
4- Inspect Your Deck
Unless you have composite decking, you’ll probably realize that maintaining a deck is hard (but rewarding!) work. To keep wooden decks from rotting, you’ll need to keep them freshly painted or stained to prevent the weather from permeating the wood.
5- Add or Replace Insulation
During the summer months, insulation is good for keeping the hot air out and the cold air inside your home. It’s a good idea to inspect your attic area to see if any insulation needs to be added or replaced, as proper insulation can save money when the temps start rising!
6- Get a Programmable Thermostat
If you’re away from home part of the day, or even on vacation, turning up the A/C while you’re gone can add up to big savings on your electric bill. A programmable thermostat allows you to create a schedule for operating the A/C and select the temperature at which you’d like it to run at different times of the day. Setting the temperature higher while you’re away allows your unit to take a ‘break,’ which could prolong its life.
7- Check for Leaks
Most of the time, the summer months are drier – this is a great time to check for any leaks around your yard and in your crawl space. If you have an irrigation system, you could have cracks in the piping due to harsh weather and not realize it during the damp, cool months of the year. If you aren’t feeling qualified to take on this job, you can have a plumber come out and inspect your water lines and pipes.
8- Trim Trees and Bushes
All trees and shrubs can get out of hand if not pruned regularly. When it starts to warm up, it’s easier to spend time outdoors working in your yard, so it’s a great time to trim bushes and tree branches that are too close to your home or deck. At a minimum, be sure to remove any branches or limbs hanging over or touching your home.
Tackling these tasks one at a time can make the overall project seem less overwhelming, so schedule these out now to get your home ready to take on the summer heat. Our team of local industry experts at C&F Mortgage is here for you every step of the way and wants to ensure your entire homeownership journey is a positive experience – part of which includes maintaining the home in which you invested so much of your time and resources!