Beat the Heat with Summer Home Preparation
Before summer temperatures climb, it’s a smart idea to check that your home is ready to handle the heat. Catching small issues now, like a sluggish air conditioner, can help you avoid bigger problems when the weather really warms up.
The best part? Many of these tasks are simple enough to do yourself. Here are a few ways to get
your home ready for the warm season ahead:
Energy Efficiency.
Don’t risk having your air conditioner break down in the middle of a heat wave. Try to keep the unit clean and consider investing in a professional inspection. Also, take a look at all of your windows and doors for drafts and air leaks. Caulk any seams, re-glaze windows if needed and replace any worn weather-stripping around doors to help keep cool air from escaping.
Air Quality.
Have a professional clean your ducts where dust and air-borne particles are likely to build up. You may also want to have your fireplace and chimney inspected. There could be nesting animals or damaged areas that need to be addressed.
Water Damage.
Check the outside of your house to ensure proper drainage. Overhangs, awnings and downspouts are areas prone to collecting moisture that can cause materials to decay over time. Water that pools too close to your house can also attract insects like termites. Repairing leaks and properly ventilating those areas will help keep them dry and much less hospitable to pests.
General Safety and Maintenance.
Check the condition of stair railings, steps and sidewalks around your home to look for any loose connections, cracks or ridges in the walkways. Also, inspect your deck and any fencing for any worn or broken areas. Re-staining the exterior wood of your home not only improves its appearance, but also its resistance to the punishing weather in the seasons ahead.
Focusing on these small jobs now will save you time and money in the very near future. They’ll also give you added peace of mind so that you can enjoy a safer, cooler and healthier summer.
For more information about getting your home in shape for summer, contact the HBA of Columbia.
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