Hey Kristen,
What’s with all the lists of home maintenance?! Every season-are you kidding me! I understand how you feel, I feel the same way. But I learned the hard way (read expensive) that deferred maintenance costs more to repair than ongoing maintenance.
I know at this time of year many are busy enjoying summertime vacations, or just enjoying the great outdoors, but please make time for some of these projects. It will save you money and hassle in the long run. Don’t want to do it yourself? Reach out, Remember, I know people… My Referral Network is robust., It’s vital to your homes “health” that you complete certain tasks during the summer months.
Detectors & Cooling Units:
Detectors: Replace old batteries and check to ensure things are in working order for all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and any home timers. (if you didn’t do in the spring, I didn’t…)
Fans: Use a damp rag or a clothes dryer sheet attached to a paint roller to clean all ceiling and house fans, including bathroom vent fans. If you’re feeling inspired, clean the back of your washer and dryer units too.
A/C units: You may want to let a pro handle your central unit but replacing filters and cleaning up portable A/C units can boost performance and cut energy bills.
Refrigerator & Range:
Fridge coils: Dusty condenser coils, the items responsible for removing heat from a fridge, can lead to high energy bills (just be sure to turn the fridge off before vacuuming the condenser coil).
Range hood and filter: Letting grease and dust accumulate can cut short the life of a range hood fan, not to mention smell less-than desirable. Wipe this area down with a citrus-based cleaner and soak the filter in soapy, hot water to make it good as new.
Bathrooms:
Showerheads: Mineral deposits can collect on your showerheads, affecting both performance and longevity. The easiest way to clean these is to screw the showerhead off and soak in a pan of vinegar overnight. Or, if need be, swap your old model for a new one.
Drains: Nobody likes to clean drains, but the cost down the road can be significant if not attended to. Simply pull out the drain mechanism, clean it with a drain stick, pour some bleach down and rinse.
BBQ/Outdoor Cookers:
Gas grills: Start by turning the heat up and let the grill cook for about 20-30 minutes. Allow it to cool and then scrub with a grill brush.
Charcoal grills: Empty the grill completely and clean with a sponge dipped in hot, soapy water.
Porch & Deck:
Porch: Give your porch a good cleaning by sweeping thoroughly, then mopping. You’ll be surprised how much better they look. Give them a scrub, or a material-compatible polish, if you want to go the extra mile.
Deck: Hammer any loose nails sticking out and examine your deck thoroughly to ensure there’s no structural damage, such as rotting. Also, check if it needs re-sealing; you can do this by spraying it with water. If the water soaks in, you know it’s time for some more sealant.
Flora:
Mulch: Not only does mulch keep the weeds away, but it also helps your plants and trees retain moisture in the summer heat.
Plants and trees: Remove any dead parts from your plants and trees, especially from any perennials and annuals that haven’t had a trim in a while – and any shrubbery near powerlines, or outdoor mechanical systems.
Irrigation systems: Test all your irrigation systems for any cracks or worn-out sections.
And when you are done at your house, you are welcome to come over to my house… 😊 Where is the joy in this? Knowing that you are protecting your biggest asset, and being able to rest easy that all is taken care of!