Most people can’t wait for the long days of summer, but far too many fail to make sure their homes are ready to handle the heat. Learn how you can take a few simple steps to get your home in optimal condition to enjoy the season.
Check your weatherstripping
Weatherstripping degrades over time, and even small faults can significantly reduce the efficiency of your cooling system and cost you more money. Replace any areas of weatherstripping that show damage, and also inspect the entirety of your window panes to ensure that there are minimal spaces for hot air to get into the house.
Deep clean your outdoor areas
One of the best things about summer is that your outdoor spaces are about to get a lot more use, but of course that means you have to clean them first. Get your patio area ready for entertaining and relaxing this summer by removing dirt and grime from furniture, deep cleaning your grill, and sweeping debris from the ground.
Inspect your hoses and sprinklers
As the weather warms up it’s time for your landscaping to shine, and with the intense heat of the summer sun your lawn and plants are going to need reliable irrigation to stay healthy and lush. Check your hoses and sprinklers to see if there are any leaks or weak spots, and ensure that all timers are operating correctly.
Make sure your fans rotate counterclockwise
Many people turn their ceiling fans off in the winter, despite the fact that placing them in the clockwise direction helps draw air up and promotes more efficient airflow. But as it warms up in your home you’ll want to switch the direction of the blades to counterclockwise, so that the cooler air is pushed down toward the living areas.
Clean your driveway and walkways
Oil, dirt, and other grime can accumulate on your driveway and pathways, marring the appearance of an otherwise beautiful home. Most hardware stores offer pressure washer rentals so you can give your driveway and walkways a thorough cleaning.
Assess your HVAC unit
You need your HVAC unit to be in great shape in order to keep your home comfortable throughout the summer, so give it an examination before you get into the heavy-use season. You don’t need to take it apart and do anything with the mechanical operations, but you should remove any debris such as leaves and limbs, and spray the outside of the unit with water to remove dirt and pollen. It’s also helpful to contact a local A/C company for a quick unit tune-up.
Now that you know how to prepare your home for the summer, it’s time to find the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy together. The real estate experts at Parker Group have decades of experience serving the Greenville market, and we are ready to help you find the home you’ve been longing for. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maximize the value of your next home purchase or sale.
