Summer is upon us and with temperatures beginning to soar, here are some suggested home maintenance tips for this time of year.
1. Check your air-conditioners. With triple digit days ahead, you want to make sure your AC is in tip top shape before you encounter an issue. Clean or replace your filters and if it’s been a while, consider having an HVAC person come out and do a routine service. This preventative care can help avoid bigger issues down the line and will save you from being stuck with a broken down AC during the hottest months of the year.
2. Check your windows and doors for leaks and reseal any gaps. Not only will this help keep the heat out, it will also keep your energy bill lower because your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.
3. Reverse your ceiling fan. Did you know you can reverse the direct your ceiling fan spins? Set your fan to spin counter clockwise. This creates a down draft (as opposed to an updraft which redistributes warm air) and allows for an optimal cross breeze. The directional switch is usually located on the side of the fan, above the blades.
4. Make your landscaping environmentally friendly. These days there are so many beautiful low water landscaping options. These plants are good for the environment and for your wallet! Discuss options with your gardener or if you have a green thumb, stop by the nursery and pick up some yourself. Fresh plants also create great curb appeal, a key factor if selling is in your future plans.
5. Clean those grills and BBQs. We’re sure you’re great at scrubbing down the grill after every single use, but just in case you aren’t spend an hour or so really getting these clean. Summer is a great time to grill with family and friends, and a good cleaning before you kick off grilling season is a great idea. The best way to do this is to turn the heat up and let it run (supervised) for about 20 minutes. Let it cool down and then scrub with a grill brush.
6. Gutter maintenance. Summer is great time to clean and repair your gutters. While we don’t get a ton of rain here in sunny SoCal, clean and functioning gutters are good for your roof and your foundation.
7. Speaking of roofs, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected annually to ensure that there aren’t any problems brewing. Nip any issues in the bud before they become real headaches in the winter.
Your home is one of your biggest investments; take care of it and it will take care of you!
The Chernov Team has great resources for handymen, HVAC companies, roofers, landscapers, and more. Please contact us for a full referral list at 818-432-1661 or [email protected]
We wish you a happy summer!