1. Service your air conditioner. You may have a contract with a service provider, if so, set up an appointment with them before using your air conditioner for the first time. If you do not have a service provider, we strongly advise homeowners to change the system’s filter and give the unit a thorough look to make sure there is no foreign material that may hinder the unit’s functionality. When you turn on the unit, check to see how it is cooling. If it does not seem to be working after running for a few minutes, you may need to call a professional. When the sweltering heat returns, this will be one thing you will be glad you did.
2. Get summer tools ready. Have a lawnmower? Edger? Chances are those yard tools have not been turned on for several months. New gas, oil, lube, spark plugs and filters will help keep your motor driven yard equipment in good operating condition. Aside from power tools, cleaning and maintaining hand tools for the lawn is also important. Keeping hand tools in good shape prolongs their life and make using things like pruners and shears easier to use.
3. Clean gutters and downspouts. Cleaning gutters can be a tough, gross job but a necessity for the health of your home. You may want to consider a professional, but, if not, a sturdy ladder and gloves are really all you need. Maybe consider safety glasses to block any stray leaves or sticks that may fly into your face. You want to check that there are no obstructions in your downspouts as it is very important that water flows away from your house so it does not collect around the foundation.
4. Inspect your roof and home’s exterior. Winters can be tough on the exteriors of homes. Water freezing, melting, refreezing, and melting can do a number on your roof. Check for misaligned, cracked or missing shingles. These conditions create weaknesses in the roof, leaving the home exposed to potential water damage. Check your chimney for any cracks or voids in the masonry, and then check the siding of your home to make sure there is no substantial damage that may lead to other issues. Finally, clean the walkways and perform any fixes that are necessary.
5. Change ceiling fan direction. This is one that we at G.W. Savage often forget! Ceiling fans are designed to rotate differently depending on the seasons. During the colder months, the fan should turn clockwise to distribute the heat that rises. In the summer, the fans should turn the opposite direction to keep air moving. Your ceiling fan likely has a small, black switch that just needs to be flipped to switch the rotation.
References:
https://www.libertymutual.com/masterthis/warm-weather-home-maintenance
https://lifehacker.com/five-things-to-do-now-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-summ-1776114244
