It happens every year. The warm spring breezes are replaced with hot summer afternoons, daily sun showers and trips to the beach. Summer will be here before you know it, but before you lather on the sunscreen and pack your beach bag, it’s important to take care of a few things around the house first.
Florida homes need a little more TLC in the summer months than homes in colder parts of the country, and taking care of these ten home maintenance projects will ensure your home is summer-ready:
Service The AC
The AC is arguably the most important system in a Florida home, and taking care of it in the summer is of utmost importance. Since summer temps can reach the triple digits, it’s imperative that you’re servicing your AC long before the summer season. Some ways to take care of your AC so it at peak performance in the summer include:
- Clean the air ducts
- Get your coiling system serviced
- Check pipe insulation
- Change the air filter
- Clean outside unit of dirt and debris
- Schedule a tune-up in the spring before it gets too hot
- Give the AC a break when you’re not home
Preventative maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home cool this summer.
Replace The Filters
While you’re replacing the filter in the AC, make a note to check the filters around the house as well. Replacing the air filters will prevent your AC systems from being overworked, and will ensure your family is breathing in air free of dirt and debris.
Do Some Decluttering
Summer is a great time to go through each room in your home and declutter. Dedicate a small window of time each day to getting rid of things you don’t use anymore. Focus on one room at a time, starting with the pantry or small linen closet. Once you see how good it feels to clean out and declutter a small space, you’ll be excited to move onto bigger rooms in your home.
Have The Roof Inspected
Another important part of getting your home summer-ready is scheduling a roof inspection. The hot Florida heat can cause roof shingles to buckle and break and lead to roof leaks and extensive damage. A roof inspection can also involve cleaning out the gutters to water runs off the roof effectively during the inevitable Florida summer storms.
Inspect The Windows
If you’ve never taken a good look at your windows, your summer inspection is the perfect time to do it. Clean the windows so that the sun shines through, and look for cracks or leaks. If your windows are old, they could be letting air escape and causing your AC systems to work harder. Check that your windows can lock and are secure, especially if you plan on leaving the house vacant over the summer.
Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space
Summertime means more time outside, which is why so many homeowners use this time to give their outdoor space a little upgrade. Powerwash your deck or patio, upgrade outdoor furniture with new cushions, provide some shade, upgrade patio lights, put down a fresh layer of mulch, and plant fresh flowers. Small changes can make a big difference in how you spend your time outside this summer. This would be a good time to clean your grill and get it ready for backyard BBQ season.
Work Out A Watering Schedule
Your yard and plants will need more water in the summer, so it’s important that you create a watering schedule that will help your plants thrive. If you have a sprinkler system, adjust the settings so that your lawn is being watered twice a week. Daily Florida rain showers will give your lawn and bushes the refreshment that it needs.
Look For Leaks
Speaking of Florida rainstorms, summer is a great time to look for leaks in different areas of your home. Check the attic for signs of water leaks, and look for water damage in your ceiling and walls. The rainy season means your home will withstand a lot of rain, and you want to make sure it all stays outside. Inspect your gutters to make sure they’re free from debris and water doesn’t pool on your roof. Re-caulk your windows if you haven’t done it recently and use weather stripping on the doors that lead to the outside of your home.
Take Care Of Pool Maintenance
During the summer, many Florida families spend time out by the pool. But a pool is no fun if there is algae in it, if the chemicals are off, or if the pool systems aren’t working properly. As you do routine home improvement projects around the home to prep for summer, do a thorough inspection of the pool and patio area. This will ensure it is a fun and safe place to splash into summer.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
Checking your smoke detectors should be a part of your regular home maintenance plan, but double-checking these systems is always a good idea in the summertime. Use the time you’re already moving throughout the home in summer prep mode to check the batteries on your smoke detectors and replace them if necessary.Â
Regular maintenance is key in keeping your Florida home safe and secure during the summer months. This checklist will help get your home summer-ready so you can focus on more important things, like what to pack in your beach bag.Â
