The first day of summer is officially June 20, but the weather could feel summer-like much earlier, depending on where you live.
So, as the weather prepares to warm up, you should also be preparing your home to ride the heat waves that are headed your way.
Here are five things you can do to get your home ready for summer.
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1. AC Checkup
Your home’s air conditioner is one of the hardest working systems in your house during the summer.
So, it’s important to make sure it’s up to the task of keeping your home cool and comfortable when it’s hot outside.
The best way to do that is to have a regular check-up of your HVAC system at the start of every season.
During a regular maintenance check, an experienced HVAC professional will check over your complete system and ensure everything is working as it should.
Proactively maintaining your home’s air conditioner will help you to catch small issues before they become big problems and help increase the life expectancy of your system.
2. Change Filters
Changing the filters in your home’s HVAC system is another important step in caring for your air conditioner.
Dirt and debris build up on the filter as the air is passing through.
As the filter becomes clogged with particles, the air conditioner has to work harder to move air through the system.
Regularly changing your filters will reduce the strain on your home’s HVAC system and ensure you’re getting the best airflow circulating through your home.
3. Clean and Check Windows
Spring is a great time to spend some time on your windows. They’ve likely gathered some dirt over the winter and could use a good cleaning.
As you clean each window, you should take the time to check for any damage or air leaks that might be affecting the energy efficiency of your home.
Add caulk or weatherstripping where needed to stop air leaks and help keep your home cooler this summer.
Taking a few hours to check and maintain your windows will reduce the burden on your air conditioner and help keep your home more comfortable all summer long.
4. Check Water Lines
For many homeowners, summer is the season where we use the most water, but winter is when water lines are most often damaged.
So, before you fire up your hose, sprinkler system, or swimming pool, it’s a good idea to check all of your water lines to ensure everything is working as it should and no lines were cracked or broken during the winter.
If you have a lot of outdoor water lines, like for a sprinkler system or pool, it’s a good idea to have the system checked over by a professional to make sure you don’t have any hidden issues that could cause a bigger problem later in the season.
Proactive maintenance is your best line of defense against costly problems down the line, especially where water is involved.
5. Check the Roof and Gutters
Winter weather and spring rains can be tough on your home’s roof and gutters.
The start of summer is a great time to check your home’s roof and gutters for any damage that occurred from winter and get it fixed.
You should also check your gutters for any debris buildup from falling leaves and clean them out.
Keeping your gutters in good condition is important for keeping water away from the house.
And don’t just check the roof from the exterior view. Spring is a good time to check the attic for evidence of leaks or problems with insulation or other issues that might pop up.
Regular checks will alert you to any water leaks or other problems and help you get them resolved before they cause serious problems in your home.
Ensuring your roof is well-protected from both the inside and outside will protect your home from water damage and improve energy efficiency, which reduces the workload on your HVAC system.
Summer is all about relaxing and fun in the sun. If you follow these five tips at the start of the season, you can help ensure your home is ready to stand up to the heat of summer.
Then, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the season knowing that your home is properly taken care of.
