Summer is finally arriving in Columbia and Greene Counties! It’s the season for backyard barbecues, pool days, and hikes through our region's beautiful parks and protected lands. But before you completely kick back with a glass of lemonade, your home needs a little seasonal love.
Taking care of a few quick maintenance tasks now doesn't just protect your investment—it also keeps your energy bills from skyrocketing during the hottest months of the year. Here is your ultimate summer home maintenance checklist to keep your property in tip-top shape.
1. Show Your AC Some Love
Your air conditioning unit is about to do some heavy lifting. Giving it a quick tune-up now ensures it won't break down on a 90°F day.
-
Change the filters:This is the easiest way to boost efficiency and improve indoor air quality. Change them every 30 to 90 days depending on whether you have pets.
-
Clear the outdoor condenser:Head outside and check your AC unit. Clear away any dead leaves, high grass, or debris within a two-foot radius so it can breathe.
-
Clean the coils:Gently spray down the outside unit with a garden hose to wash away built-up dust and dirt.
2. Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Winter storms and spring showers can take a toll on your home’s exterior. Now that the weather is dry, it’s the perfect time to look up.
-
Check for roof damage:Grab a pair of binoculars and look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
-
Clean out the gutters: Even if you cleaned them in the spring, late-falling seeds and pollen can clog things up. Clean gutters ensure summer thunderstorms don't cause water to back up under your roofline.
3. Boost Your Curb Appeal & Outdoor Living Space
Summer is all about outdoor living. Plus, if you're thinking about selling your home soon, summer curb appeal is crucial for making a stellar first impression.
-
Wash the deck or patio:Power wash your outdoor living spaces to get rid of winter grime and algae. Check for loose boards or popping nails while you're at it.
-
Freshen up mulch: A fresh layer of mulch instantly makes your landscaping look professionally done and helps retain moisture for your plants during hot dry spells.
-
Service the lawnmower:Sharpen the blades and change the oil. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving your lawn vulnerable to disease.
4. Check Your Seals (Keep the Cool Air In)
If your windows and doors aren't sealed properly, you are essentially paying to cool down the entire neighborhood.
-
Inspect caulk and weatherstripping:Walk around your home and look for gaps around windows and doors. Replacing worn-out weatherstripping is a cheap, easy weekend project that saves serious cash on your cooling bill.
-
Reverse your ceiling fans:Double-check that your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft that delivers a cool, breezy sensation, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
5. Tackle Safety Upgrades
Since you're already checking things off the list, take 10 minutes to ensure your home's safety systems are functioning perfectly.
-
Test smoke and CO detectors:Push the test button on every alarm in your house. If it's been over six months, pop in fresh batteries.
-
Check expiration dates on fire extinguishers:Ensure the pressure gauge is still in the green zone.
The Takeaway: Spending a little bit of time tackling this checklist will protect your home's value, prevent costly emergency repairs, and let you enjoy the rest of your summer completely stress-free.
Thinking about buying or selling this season? The summer real estate market is here! Reach out today to chat about what homes are worth in your neighborhood.
