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10 Summer Home Maintenance Tips

 

It’s summer which means you’re probably spending a ton of time outdoors- as you should! When you have a bit of spare time in between adventures don’t forget to check in on your house and give it a bit of TLC! Here are 10 things you won’t want to miss to keep your house in top notch shape.

1. Bathroom Vent Fans

To keep them running longer and quieter, bathroom vent fans need to be cleaned occasionally.  The first step to keeping them in great shape is to use your vacuum to clean the louvers on the outside of the vent cover.  Not sure what a louver is? They’re the angled slats you see on your vent cover. Next, you’ll want to gently pull down the vent cover to access the inside of the vent.  Vacuum the fan side of the vent cover. If you spot any dust present in the fan motor housing, you can also vacuum it out.  A good silicone lubricant spray (such as WD-40) can be used on the moving parts of the fan to help it stay quiet.

2. Ceiling Fan Blades

 The blades of a ceiling fan are dust magnets!  If you don’t keep them clean, they end up spreading dust around your room.  Use furniture dusting spray and a soft cloth to remove the dust. Swiffer makes a great product that has an extendable handle to help you easily clean out-of-reach spots.

3. Clothes Dryer Vent

The dryer vent of your home is another area that you need to pay attention to a few times throughout the year.  Dryer lint can build up inside the pipe, choking off the exhaust.  This is bad news because not only does this present a potential fire hazard, but it can also cause mechanical problems with your dryer.  The first—and easiest—thing you can do to prevent this build-up is to change the lint filter in the dryer after every load.  On top of that, every so often take a minute to locate the exterior vent cover and make sure it is free of any blockage.  Once you do that, you can remove the vent cover to gain access to the vent ducting itself.  The lint can be removed by using a vacuum or a specially designed brush that is used to clean dryer ducts

4. Decks

Summer is a great time to check for any boards or planks in your deck that my need to be repaired or replaced.  It’s also a good idea to water proof your deck to help prevent rot and decay.

5. Central Air Conditioning Condensers

While the AC on the exterior of your home needs minimal care and maintenance, there are a few things you can do to help it run more efficiently.  Because your AC is transferring air, it is important to make sure that the sides and top of it are free of any obstructions that may interfere with airflow.  Bushes, shrubs, and fencing actually need to be at least 12-18 inches away from the unit.  If the ground under the unit becomes uneven, the fan blades will start to rattle and not run effectively. Support and prop up the corner (if it has settled downward) to keep your unit from rocking back and forth.

6. Gutters and Downspouts

Water and debris can get stuck and accumulate in your gutters over the fall and winter. Summertime is a great time to make sure they are clean and free of all debris. Pay special attention to the green popup cap in your lawn.  It is attached to your downspouts and brings the water from your roof down and away from the foundation of the home.  In addition, make sure grass doesn’t overgrow the cap by trimming the grass around it weekly.

7. Smoke Detector

Check your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly. It’s good practice to change the batteries every 6 months.

8. Garage Doors

Keep your garage moving smoothly by picking up a garage door lubricant at your local hardware store. Spray all hinges, wheels, and other moving parts.  This will help ease the strain on the motor, as well as help quiet the door while it’s being used.

9. Lawn Care

Summertime means you’ll need to take care of your grass! At the beginning of the season, test and adjust sprinkler heads and timers. Keep your eye out for dry spots early so they don’t become dead spots later on in the summer.  Make sure to regularly use a good fertilizer and water as needed.  It’s also healthy for your lawn to have a good clean cut—sharpening or replacing the blade on your lawnmower can do this

10. Air Filters

If you have central air conditioning in your home, be sure to change the air filter every 30 days.  You’d be surprised how much builds up in there and with the fan running all summer it’s more important than ever to be on top of this task!

More Summer Tips

Maintaining your home with small tasks is a great way to ensure its longevity and keep things running smoothly- you’ll be glad you did it! Once you’ve gotten these maintenance items checked off your to do list, head over to our EDGEucation hub for summer interior decorating tips!

Date

06/28/2016

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