A well-maintained home not only ensures your comfort but also protects your investment. Try to check these items off your to-do list this Summer to prepare for the hottest months of the year and cooler Fall weather ahead. While regular home maintenance isn’t particularly fun or exciting, addressing a few of these tasks each month keeps the work manageable and can prevent potential issues from growing into expensive problems. Here are a few Summer home maintenance tasks to knock out during the hot Georgia months.
June
Change HVAC Filters – Keep your home fresh and your HVAC functioning optimally by regularly changing your HVAC filters. A good rule of thumb is to change them every 90 days but timelines can vary depending on the specific unit and filter utilized so always double check recommendations for your specific model.
Clean Lint from Dryer Exhaust – One of the most common causes of house fires is the accumulation of dryer lint, which can constrict ductwork that expels hot air outside. At least once a year, be sure to either have the vents cleaned out professionally or do it on your own to protect your home and keep your dryer working efficiently.
Clean Grill/Refill Propane – It’s grilling season! Use a wireless brush to clean off your grill and ensure your propane tank is full (if applicable) to be sure you’re ready to grill this Summer.
Clean/Sanitize Trash Bins – It’s no secret that trash cans can get…smelly over time. The summer heat isn’t going to help the stench so a quick clean before it gets too hot outside can keep your trashcans fresh (and the smell to a minimum). Don’t want to clean them yourself? Did you know that professionals will take care of this task for you?
Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction – It’s starting to get hot out there. To keep cool, be sure to reverse your ceiling fan direction to the counterclockwise direction (if you haven’t already) to create a downdraft. Not only will this help keep you cool, fans can also keep your energy bill down.
July
Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors – To ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning, locate the test button on each device, then push and hold it for a few seconds to trigger the alarm. If you don’t hear the alarm or if the sound is weak, the detector is not powered properly. In this case, try replacing the batteries or call an electrician if the alarm is hardwired.
Inspect Exterior for Drainage Problems – Regularly walking the exterior of your home, especially after a storm, can help detect problems early and prevent them from becoming major issues. Look for any standing water, negative grading, or exterior deterioration. All of these could be signs of drainage problems and should be further assessed and corrected.
Inspect Home for Pests – You might not regularly go into spaces like your attic, crawlspace, or unfinished basement, but regular checks for evidence of pests including rodent droppings, bats, termite tunnels, or insects can save you a lot of grief and money. If you suspect you might have an issue, have a professional evaluate the area further.
Clean Bathroom Vent Fans – Bathroom exhaust fans are important for indoor air quality and comfort in your home. Begin by turning off the power source at the circuit breaker. Remove dust and dirt from the fan with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. Wipe down the fan body and replace the grille on the fan housing.
Clean Refrigerator Coils – Refrigerator coils are critical to pushing heat out, so removing the dust and dirt will allow them to more efficiently keep the inside of the refrigerator cold and conserve energy. Gently pull the refrigerator away from the wall, unplug it, locate the coils and vacuum them with a brush attachment. You can also use a paintbrush to remove any stubborn bits of dirt. Plug the fridge back in and push it back against the wall.
August
Clean Vent Hood Filter – If you haven’t recently inspected your kitchen’s range hood and filter, it’s probably due for a cleaning. Locate the filter on the underside of the hood and remove. Wipe the filter down or soak in a cleaning solution if needed, rinse, wipe, and return to the underside of the hood.
Check All Doors and Locks and Tighten Screws – It’s not abnormal for doorknobs or hinges to loosen or shift over time. To maintain safety, it’s important to ensure all doors are secure. Walk through your home and tighten any loose screws and test doors to ensure they latch appropriately.
Test All GFCI Outlets – GFCI outlets can be damaged by voltage surges by lightning, utility switching, or simply normal usage. If they are not working properly, they are not protecting you from shock or electrocution. To test the outlets, push the reset button, then plug in a device and turn it on. The device should work. Press the test button and the device should turn off. Press the reset button again and the device should turn back on. If the device does not turn off, then the GFCI is not working properly and requires further evaluation.
Check Fire Extinguisher – The worst time to figure out that your fire extinguisher doesn’t work is when you need it. So, regular inspections can ensure it’s ready to go if needed. Check the pressure gauge to make sure it reads in the green range and make sure the fire extinguisher is full. For non-rechargeable fire extinguishers, press the green button on the push-to-test pressure indicator. Don’t forget to check for any wear or damage too.
Clean Garbage Disposal – There are multiple methods to clean your disposal. One way is to cut 1 lemon into wedges, including the lemon peels. Run cold tap water then start garbage disposal. Feed each wedge into the disposal, one piece at a time, until you hear the grinding stop. But, there are plenty of other methods you can try depending on your personal preferences.
Taking care of these tasks over the Summer months, not only helps to ensure your home runs smoothly, but also ensures your investment is protected. Are there any other home maintenance items you have on your list for the Summer?
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