Spring is almost over, which means summer in the Okanagan Valley is just around the corner! But before you head to the beach, you may want to give your home a once over to make sure it’s ready for the hot summer months ahead. To help you prepare, we have made a list with 10 tasks you don’t want to miss out on. Here is your guide to completing indoor and outdoor home maintenance this summer.
Temperatures are rising and the sun shines warmer and longer each and every day, leaving residents excited for the long awaited Okanagan summer. While you may be eager to begin planning your vacation and spend your time on the beach soaking in as much vitamin D as you can, it is important that homeowners don’t forget about their own homes in the process. Your home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. Whether you want to sell or not, maintaining your property is an integral part of maintaining and protecting your own investment; The work and care that you put into its upkeep will help to ensure your home stays looking and feeling it’s best for years to come. Here are the top 10 summer home maintenance tasks for you to complete to ensure your property is getting the TLC it deserves, inside and out.
Indoor Summer Maintenance
Check Your Air Conditioning: Whether you have window air conditioning or a central air conditioner, yearly checks and maintenance are always needed. Install your window air conditioners early, book a service for your central cooling system, and change out any old filters to ensure you’re not left without a temperature controlled environment on a hot summer’s day.
Clean Your Windows: Inside and out, your windows should be clean to let the sun shine in and keep your home bright throughout the long days of the summer months. Remember to check your screens to make sure they are intact and won’t act as a welcoming spot for bugs into your home.
Ceiling Fans: Check your ceiling fans; if you change the direction of the blades in the winter months, now is the time to change them back! Also, make sure to give them a good clean before running them this summer. Dust of your blades regularly to minimize the amount of dust particles floating around your home.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: It is important to test and change the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. This is an essential part of home maintenance that could be a life saving measure.
Duct Cleaning: Ensure the air quality of your home is at its best by getting your ducts cleaned routinely. While this isn’t essential to be done each year, you should check to make sure it’s completed every 2-3 years to reduce any repairs and health problems from occurring.
Outdoor Summer Maintenance
Reseal The Deck: Your deck may need some attention this summer, but before resealing or staining, make sure to replace any boards that may be rotting and hammer down any loose nails for best results.
Check For Leaks: Check any outdoor spouts or hoses for leaks. If you are losing water through these imperfections, it will cost you money in water bills and potential repairs in the long run. Replace your hoses or give them a quick fix with electrical tape to ensure you aren’t wasting too much water. For leaking faucets, you may want to call in reinforcements to ensure it is fixed and sealed properly.
Inspect Windows and Doors: Ensure to give a good inspection to your windows and doors this summer, to keep bugs and maintain temperature control indoors. You may want to refresh the caulking to avoid any leaks and gaps in the framing.
Clean Out Gutters: Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, depending on if you have a lot of trees around your home. Routine maintenance can help prevent damage to your roof, exterior, and foundation.
Get Your Roof Inspected: No one wants to replace their roof in the winter. Look into getting your roof inspected to ensure it’s strong enough to withstand the rain and weather damage it could incur when conditioners are not so favourable.