After the rainy days of spring, summer brings in rising temperatures, blazing sunshine, and longer days. While spending the season outside seems tempting, summer requires home maintenance in order to stay cool. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to take on the summer heat from the comfort of your home.
Prepare your cooling system
Before the temperatures reach their peak this summer, consider getting your current cooling system serviced by a commercial HVAC contractor. Custom Aire provides the knowledge, expertise, and professionalism of NATE-certified technicians who offer a full range of residential installation services to meet your needs.
Proper air conditioner maintenance allows your units or system to last longer and helps prevent potential fires. Plus, an up-to-date air conditioning system can help you save money on your energy bills. Ensure that your air conditioner in good working order, since you won’t want to be stuck without AC until you can get it fixed. Pro tip: Keep your utility bill down, consider installing window treatments. According to the DOE, medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent.
Renovate the kitchen
Most contractors would suggest scheduling a kitchen overhaul during the spring or the fall, but where does that leave you on Thanksgiving and Christmas – eating on the living room floor, that’s where. During the summer, you’re most likely going to be spending your time outside grilling on the barbecue, leaving your kitchen open for business.
Take advantage of the warmer weather (and the natural lighting!) and consider installing custom cabinetry. HomeWorx, for example, is known to have the best kitchen cabinets in Des Moines. What’s more? If you opt for a rustic chic style, you may be able to use your existing kitchen cabinets for your remodel. If you’re unsure whether or not your current cabinets are salvageable, the HomeWorx design team can help you determine what’s worth keeping and what’s not – which will not only save money, but also give you the opportunity to transform your current kitchen into the culinary mecca you deserve.
Protect against unwanted pests
Everyone knows that summer is the season of ants, flies, and mosquitoes. In order to prevent unwanted pests in your home, take steps both inside and outside the home. Close off your home in a major sweep. Inside, try setting fly traps and ant traps, depending on the kind of pests you regularly encounter.
In addition, make sure to prevent the entry of any non-pet animals, such as varmints and snakes. Make sure to cover holes more than a quarter-inch wide, and trim any tree branches close to your house to prevent squirrels from entering. Finally, ensure that your outdoor or garage trash cans are securely closed at night.
Clean the grill
Cleaning your grill now will make summer barbecuing hassle-free later in the season. For charcoal grills, start by emptying the grill and wiping away leftover residue. Using hot water, dish soap, and a sponge, clean both the inside and outside of your grill. Before using it to BBQ, make sure to let it dry.
For gas grills, you can deep-clean by closing the lid and turning the heat to high. Leave the heat on for half an hour and let the grill cool afterward. Next, use a grill brush to clean the grill, and wipe the outside clean with a sponge.
Clean your pool
Once the temperatures start rising, you’ll want to take a dip in the pool. Like a car or a computer, swimming pools need regular maintenance to stay working and last. Plan to clean and fill your pool by Memorial Day in order to ensure that it’ll be ready for the heat. If you’re unsure about the condition of your pool, enlist the help of a professional swimming pool services company for proper upkeep and cleaning.
Repair the deck
Checking your deck to make sure it’s in good condition is a must if you plan to spend time outdoors this summer. Before bringing out the patio furniture, see if any boards on the deck look like they’re rotting. If you find any, have them replaced before setting out furniture.
Additionally, hammer in any loose nails and determine whether your deck needs to be resealed. If you can’t tell whether your deck needs to be resealed, pour a little water over it. If the water collects into small puddles, you don’t need a resealing. On the other hand, if water sinks into the wood, invest in getting your desk resealed to prevent further water damage.
Although cleaning up and taking care of your home is important throughout the year, preparing for the summer can help keep you cool and comfortable. All in all, invest in proper home maintenance and take the time to ensure that your home is ready for the upcoming season.
