Regardless of the area you live in, it is important to prepare the interior and exterior of your home for the summer. Proper maintenance of your home before the temperatures rise will ensure that you have a pleasant summer indoors and outdoors. Effective preparation will help ensure that your cooling system will work properly, and the outdoor area is taken care of well so you and your family can enjoy being outside.

In this guide, we will go through the steps you need to take to ensure your home is prepared for the hottest days of the year. This includes taking care of your indoor cooling equipment, maintaining your home outdoors, and preparing your landscape and outdoor spaces for entertaining. We will also go over what you need to do to take care of your home while you go on summer vacation or when you are facing extreme heat. Following these steps will make sure your home is taken care of so you and your family can have a pleasant summer.

Prepare Your Air Conditioning System

When the hottest days of summer arrive, you will need your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. Before the hottest summer weather sets in, you should take the following steps to ensure that your cooling system is prepared:

• Check and clean/replace air filters:

For central AC, it is important to change the air filters regularly. If you do not change them as you should, all the dirt, pollutants, and dust will be sent into your home and your unit will work harder, making it possible for it to break down during the hottest time of the year. The filter should be replaced every 90 days or even more often if there is a lot of pollen and mold in the air. You should also replace your filter with a thicker, more advanced filter that will be even more effective as it will trap more airborne particles.

• Schedule a professional tune-up:

At least once per year you should have your AC unit serviced professionally. A professional AC technician will do specific checks such as refrigerant levels and checking if the coil has a charge. The cost of a yearly tune-up is between $100 and $300. However, it will ensure that your AC works properly and that it lasts a long time. If you have a window AC unit, keep in mind that they have filters as well that should be removed and cleaned at least a few times throughout the cooling season.

• Upgrade to a smart thermostat:

Switching to a smart thermostat will help you automatically adjust the temperature in your home, and it will lower your cooling cost. The smart thermostat will adjust your temperature while you are not home allowing you to lower or increase it remotely. This can help lower your cooling costs by ten percent or more.  Also, the thermostat can send information to your service provider so the health of your equipment can be monitored. Therefore, if there is an issue with your unit, you will be notified, and you can act quickly and get it repaired before the whole unit breaks.

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More info:
8 Tips for Preparing Your AC Unit for the Summer Months
Top 3 Reasons to Clean Your Air Ducts
Five Summer Maintenance Tips For Your Home

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Exterior Maintenance of Your Home

The hot summer weather, longer days, and increase in rain and thunderstorms can put stress on the exterior of your home. You should take time in the spring to inspect your home’s exterior and provide the maintenance needed to help it ensure summer conditions.

• Inspect roof and gutters:

To fully prepare your home for the summer, make sure to inspect your roof for cracks, missing shingles, or other damage. If you notice any cracks, rotting, or any other damage, make sure to get it fixed right away. This will prevent water damage or mold inside your home. You should also get your gutters cleaned to help prevent any water backups. This type of work should be done by professionals to ensure it is done properly. A professional gutter cleaning service will charge between $119 and $228, but it will give you peace of mind that the job was done properly.

• Clean the windows and screens:

Throughout the year, windows help keep bad weather, pollen, and insects out of your home, so they should be cleaned properly before the summer. Always make sure to use the proper cleaner suitable for the material they are made of. While cleaning, do a proper check of the windows and screen for signs of wear and tear as well as mold, cracks, and other issues and address them right away.

• Check walls and foundation for cracks:

You should check the foundation of your home and the walls for cracks before the summer starts. Cracks can be caused by many things such as soil movement, moisture, and temperature changes and they can result in leaks that cause water damage inside the home. If you notice cracks on the walls or foundation, make sure to have them inspected by a structural engineer.  

• Inspect deck, patio, and outdoor furniture:

Before you start entertaining for the summer, make sure to check the condition of your outdoor furniture and look for cracks and touch up exterior paint on your deck or patio. This will help avoid cracks and peeling paint and make your deck or patio last longer if you touch it up with the proper paint or sealant.

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More info:
How to Clean Your Gutters
How to Choose a Window Cleaning Company
Can a slab leak cause foundation problems?

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Prepare Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

The outside of the home itself is not the only exterior maintenance you should do before the summer. Spring is also the ideal time to take care of the following tasks for your landscape:

• Trim trees and shrubs:

You should make sure to prune any overgrown trees so they do not block sunlight or grow too close to your home, which can cause damage in case of high winds or rain.

• Plant summer flowers:

Planting flowers will boost the curb appeal of your home and make your yard look nicer for entertaining. You can plant flowers such as petunias, marigolds, or zinnias throughout your landscape.

• Clean and prepare grill and outdoor kitchen:

Check if your grill is clean and if not, make sure you clean it well. Clean the grates and burners so you are ready to use them. If you have an outdoor kitchen, make sure to clean it well so it’s ready to use once it gets warm.

• Install outdoor lighting:

You can add nice ambiance to your outdoor entertainment area by adding nice solar-powered lighting. If you already have it, make sure to clean it well so it is ready for use.

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More info:
When to Call an Arborist for a Tree Assessment
7 Summertime Home Improvement Tasks
Avoid House Fires in the Spring and Summer Time

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Prepare Your Home for Entertaining

The nicer summer weather brings more people outside and allows people to entertain friends and family with outdoor gatherings like cookouts. If you plan on entertaining at your home this summer, make sure to do the following to prepare:

• Clean and organize the kitchen:

Next time there is a rainy day, use it to organize your kitchen and remove any extras items you are not using. You will be left with only items you use all the time in your kitchen.

• Stock up on summer essentials:

Take the time to do inventory of which summer essentials you have in stock and which you still need to purchase. This includes plastic cutlery, cups, plates, paper towels, straws, cleaning supplies, batteries, etc.

• Prepare for guests by making accommodations:

Be ready to entertain guests by having all the items you will be using during the summer ready for use. Here are some things to check and make sure you have plenty of:

• Snacks and beverages
• Cushions and chairs are available for all
• Sunblock and bug spray
• Games and entertainment

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More info:
Summer BBQ Fire Safety Tips
Propane Tank Storage Safety Tips
6 Reasons Why Summer is the Best Time To Renovate

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How should I prepare my home for summer vacation?

Before you leave for summer vacation you should make sure to get your home ready, so you do not come back to any bad surprises. Here are some things you should do to prepare your home before you leave:

• Adjust your thermostat:

Since you will not be home during your summer vacation, make sure to set your thermostat properly based on the area you live in so that you can save on cooling costs. Check the US Department of Energy website for the suggested temperature for your area.

• Set your temperature gauge on water heater tank:

Most water tanks have a “vacation mode” which will help it not waste energy on heating water since it will not be used. Make sure to remember to return the gauge back to its usual setting once you are home.

• Unplug all electronics:

To help you save money and avoid electric fires, make sure all electronics are unplugged before you leave. Any electronics left plugged in will waste energy and can possibly cause a fire.

• Dispose of perishable foods:

Make sure to remove all perishable food from your fridge before you leave so it does not go bad. You should take out the trash as well.

• Lights should be set on timers:

For programmable lights, make sure you have them on at night so that you can ward off potential thieves.

• Check that everything is locked and your security system is on:

Make sure all windows and doors are locked before you leave. Also, check that any gates and sheds outside are locked. Arm your security system before your departure and you can always double check your security system from your app while on vacation.

• Park your cars in the garage:

To avoid a car break-in while you are away, make sure to park your car in the garage. Any valuables should be removed from it. Make sure that the garage door opener is also removed as that is a way for a thief to get into your home. You can also check with your neighbors if they would be comfortable leaving their car in your driveway while you are away so that it looks like someone is home as this can discourage burglars.

• Shut off water to your home:

If you plan on leaving for more than two weeks, make sure to shut off the main water valve. If you will be gone in less than two weeks, make sure to shut off water to the washing machine, sinks and the dishwasher. This will prevent any unwanted water leaks which can create major water damage in your home.

• Figure out how you will care for your lawn:

If you will be gone for a while, make sure to figure out who will mow your lawn. If the grass in your yard becomes too high, it can attract snakes and other critters, or you could incur fees from the city or the homeowner’s association.

• Have someone take care of your plants:

Make sure to plan for someone to water and take care of your indoor or outdoor plants so they can thrive while you are gone.

• Make sure to pause your newspaper, mail, and package deliveries:

It is important to arrange for either stopping newspaper, mail, and package deliveries to your home or to have a neighbor or a friend pick them up for you. If you do not arrange for this, it may look like you are not home, and it is a welcome sign for thieves.

• Have a plan for bad weather:

If you live in an area where bad weather is common in the summer, make sure to take the proper precautions. You can also coordinate with a neighbor and have a plan in case there is bad weather coming while you are on vacation.

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More info:
Common Summer Storms and How to Protect Your Home
Five Gadgets That Can Turn Your Home Into a Smart Home
How to Prepare Your Home for Vacation

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How do I prepare my home for extreme heat?

Extreme heat can be very dangerous for your health. Make sure to take the proper precautions to avoid any serious health risks. Here are a few things to do to prepare for extreme heat:

• Always have an emergency kit and family communication plan in place.
• If you have a window unit, make sure it is installed snugly and properly insulated.
• Your air conditioning ducts should also be properly insulated.
• Install temporary window reflectors such as those with aluminum foil-covered cardboard, which can be installed between windows and drapes so heat can be reflected back outside.
• Make sure you have proper weather strips in place to keep the cool air inside your home.
• Any windows that have a lot of morning or afternoon sun should be covered with drapes, shades, or awnings. This helps reduce the heat entering your home.
• If you have storm windows, you can keep them up all year to keep the heat out.

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More info:
Types of Property Damage Caused by the Summer Heat
How to Stay Safe in the Extreme Summer Heat
Protect your Home from Hurricanes by Storm Proofing your Windows

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Why Summer Preparation is Important

It is extremely important to get your home ready for the summer. Your home should have a functioning AC unit, while the outside of your home should be well maintained to avoid structural damage and problems with water or mold growth which can be costly. When you take some precautions and do the proper maintenance ahead of the summer heat, you can enjoy many amazing summer days at your home with your friends and family.

Maintaining your home before the summer starts will help you have peace of mind and avoid any surprise costs associated with fixing water, structural, or other damage to your home caused by various things that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Here are a few additional tips to get your home ready for the summer:

• Keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50 percent:

You can achieve this by having a humidifier in your home. It will help ensure that your basement does not get damp and you can avoid dry air which can cause itchy throats and cracked furniture and floors.

• Keep pests at bay:

If you live in an area where termites are common, make sure to contact professionals if you notice them in or near your home. Any other rodents or pests should be taken care of by professionals as well. This includes mosquitoes and ticks. This will avoid any issues with them over the summer.

• Do a spring cleaning:

Get your home ready for the summer with some spring cleaning. Get rid of items you don’t need and do a big cleaning of all the rooms in your home so that you are ready for gatherings and entertaining during the summer.

• Rotate your ceiling fan counterclockwise:

In the summer, your ceiling fan should run counterclockwise so it can push cool air down. You can then run the ceiling fan on low while the AC runs to help push the cool air downward and distribute it through the room.

You should prepare your home for the summer so that you can enjoy it without worrying about home repairs. Proper maintenance of your home before the summer starts will ensure that you can enjoy your home indoors and outdoors. Whether it is taking care of your AC unit so that it functions properly or taking care of your lawn, bushes, and trees, all these precautions help make sure that you are not left with costly repairs later.

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More info:
How to React to Mold When Spring Cleaning
Air Duct Maintenance Between Cleanings
How to reduce summer allergens in your home

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Call Restoration Professionals for Water and Mold Damage

Have you experienced water damage or mold in your home? Proper maintenance before the summer seasons can help prevent issues with your home in the summer. Whether it is a leaky AC, a cracked roof shingle, or a simple water leak, it can cause major and costly damage to your home. Preparing your home for the summer will prevent most water and mold disasters from happening in the first place.

 

However, even if you do the proper maintenance of your home before the summer season, you can still experience an issue in your home. If you experience a water leak or a flood in your home, flood cleanup specialists can help you dry out all the water, clean the area, and restore the damage. You should always call restoration professionals and not try to clean up water damage yourself. Any water damage should be addressed right away, as mold prevention is extremely important. If mold growth does occur in your home, mold remediation by professionals is recommended. They will remove any mold and make sure it does not come back. Because mold can cause major health issues, you should consult a professional and not try to clean it up yourself.