Summer is here, and we welcome its lazy days. One area where you shouldn’t be lazy, however, is in your home’s maintenance. Summer is the ideal time to assess any problems and make needed repairs, as well as provide normal exterior maintenance to keep your home healthy and happy for years to come.
Summer Exterior Maintenance Checklist
Change the AC filter
Replace your air conditioner filter every 1-3 months to allow your unit to run most efficiently. If you have allergies, install a high-performance allergen filter.
Drain the water heater
Once a year you should drain your hot water heater to remove sediment buildup. Turn off the power, gas and water to the heater and attach a hose to the drain valve to let the water run outside. Inspect for leaks, and clear any clogged vents and pressure relief valves.
Clean the dryer vent
Did you know that thousands of home fires are caused annually by the lint buildup in your dryer vent? Remove the dryer hose and outside vent pipe cover, and then clean inside with a special brush or vacuum cleaner. Always clean the lint filter on your dryer every time you use it.
Inspect the roof
Get on the roof to look for broken or missing shingles or tiles, and make necessary repairs.
Eliminate mold and mildew
If mold or mildew are present on your home’s exterior, eliminate it by scrubbing with a diluted bleach solution or trisodium phosphate. Protect your plants and exterior furniture from bleach exposure during the process.
Prune shrubbery
Prune back shrubbery that is touching the house or your HVAC unit. Also check grading to make sure it slants away from the home.
Inspect the sprinkler system
Check the sprinkler system, looking for holes in the lines and clogs. Adjust the sprinkler heads to provide maximum coverage for your lawn area and not your driveway.
Check under the house
If you have a crawl space or open area under your home, check for signs of infestation or moisture. Inspect foundation walls for seepage or cracks. Cover the crawl space with thick plastic to prevent ground moisture from entering your home.
Inspect the gutters
Get on the ladder to inspect and clean out the gutters and downspouts. Look for clogs and repair loose guttering.
Wash the windows
Use a bucket of hot, soapy water to clean all exterior windows. Do the doors too, including the garage door. Inspect and repair screens.
Repair the driveway
If winter caused cracks in your driveway, fill them in now, while the weather is warm. Seal your driveway against future damage. Check and repair walkways as well.
Touch up paint
Touch up the paint on your home’s exterior, especially around windows and doors. This will give a fresh, new look to your home.
Clean the grill
Take a moment to clean and inspect your gas grill and get ready for summer barbecuing.
Hire a vacation housesitter
If you will be away from your Northern Virginia home for an extended period of time you don’t want your home to look abandoned. Hire Först Consulting Group to housesit, or as we call it, provide residential property management. We’ll check your home regularly to ensure that everything is working properly, arrange for lawn care, and even forward packages and ready the home for your return arrival. Contact Först today to get on our schedule.
