Summer Home Maintenance Checklist | Insurance Insights

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist | Insurance Insights

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the warm weather and get some work done around the house. 

Indoor spaces-Switch your ceiling fan blade direction to counterclockwise

Did you know that a ceiling fan’s performance is largely based on the direction the blades are spinning? This is because the direction of the blades determines how the air will be circulated within the space. In warmer weather, when you’re trying to cool down interior spaces.

Clean refrigerator coils

The coils under the refrigerator have a tendency to accumulate dust and pet hair. Cleaning them can help your fridge run more economically.

Wash windows and check screens

A good cleaning of the inside of your windows and tracks can help remove any buildup from dust, cooking, smoke, candles and fireplaces. 

Check for air leaks around windows and doors

To help keep cold air in and hot air out, check your windows and doors for leaks. If you find any leaks, consider sealing them with weather stripping or caulking.

Outdoor home maintenance

Service your air conditioner

Regular maintenance can help ensure your air conditioner is working as efficiently as possible during the summer. Air conditioners tend to collect dirt and debris over time, which reduces their efficiency.

Wash windows

Wash the outside of your windows with soapy lukewarm water to help remove any water spots or dust buildup. Then dry with a microfiber cloth. 

Wash siding

While it might be tempting to use a pressure washer for your home’s exterior, a garden hose is recommended to avoid potentially damaging the outside of your home or having water get under the siding. 

Look for signs of critters and bugs

Check garden plants, trees and shrubs for insect infestations. Termites can easily go undetected until considerable damage has been done. Look for telltale signs like flaking wood or mud buildup and tunneling systems in the exterior wood of your home. 

Pressure washing

Spruce up the exterior of your home by pressure washing your sidewalks, porches and driveways. 

Tidy up your landscaping

Here are some ideas:

  • Trim shrubs and bushes as needed.
  • Get weeds under control.
  • Remove dead or unhealthy plants so that others may thrive.
  • Consider replacing the removed plants with new ones.

Trim trees & check gutters 

Trees supply shady ambience and should be well cared for to avoid potential damage to your home. Keep their branches pruned and at a safe distance from power lines and your home. 

Safely clear all debris from gutters and see that downspouts are still routed properly so water drains away from the house.

Inspect the roof

While on the ground, step back from your home and inspect the roof for maintenance from all sides to see if shingles are cracked, curled or missing.

Clean exterior dryer vent

Clean the outside clothes dryer vent to remove any built-up lint and allow your dryer to work more efficiently.

While these items are easier to perform in the summer, there are more home safety items to look at throughout the year such as having your chimney cleaned and checking on carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and your smoke detectors.

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