5 WAYS TO GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR SUMMER – INSIDE AND OUT
Summer is here! Time for warmer weather, ample sunshine,
tasty grilling and outdoor gatherings with family and friends.
But the switch to summer also calls for some seasonal
upkeep on your home. Here are five ways to prepare your house for the
summertime.
1.
Check the HVAC system
If it’s not already hot where you live, chances
are it will be soon. Make sure you're positioned for a cool home interior.
Check your HVAC system to ensure cold air is ready to flow into the house. The
work could entail replacing the HVAC system’s filter and cleaning vents, or
dusting off and installing window AC units.
2.
Conduct an energy audit
Heating and cooling systems are notorious for spiking an
electricity bill. According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
10-20% of what the average American spends on energy could be going to waste
due to drafts or air leaks.
To
save energy – and money – conduct a home energy audit to make sure cool air
isn’t escaping. Inspect windows, doors, fireplaces, and the edge of floors
(especially in older homes), and seal any leaks with weather stripping or
caulk.
Plus, did you realize the direction your ceiling fan spins
can dictate the temperature of the room? For the summer, the fan should spin
counterclockwise to create a downdraft and create a cool breeze in the room.
(In the winter, a clockwise spin pulls air upward.) It can be tricky to see the
direction of your fan. Turn your fan off, stand directly under it, and take note
of those first few revolutions. If you need to change it, there's usually a
switch on the base.
3.
Make sure outside water lines work
With hot weather and sunshine on their way, examine your
outdoor water system and inspect sprinkler heads for any damage sustained over
the winter. For above-ground watering systems, test out sprinklers and nozzles
for optimal pressure and to catch any leaks. When storing freeze caps, make
sure you put them somewhere you’ll remember when fall rolls around in a few
months.
4.
Spruce up the yard
Mowing the lawn makes for a clean-looking yard. But
attending to the details, like edging walkways, weeding, and spreading a fresh
layer of mulch can take an outdoor space to the next level.
Many
people like to over-seed their existing lawn in the late spring and early
summer to provide extra fullness and fill in any patches from winter weather –
or, in some cases, holes caused by pets who like to dig.
And if you plan on entertaining in an outdoor space this
summer, clean off patio furniture, scrub the grill, and sweep the surrounding
area. Potted flowers can be an affordable way to add a pop of color to a front
porch, and add ambiance to an outdoor lounge area.
5.
Clean and organize
It’s never too late for spring cleaning. Now's a great time
to give your house a deep clean before busy summer schedules kick in. In
addition to standard tidying measures – dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing, etc. –
tackle places like the basement and garage, too.
Take time to go through closets and drawers and remove
what’s unwanted and unused. Store away cold weather items and be realistic when
paring down on possessions you won’t use again. Try to donate household items
and clothing to a local donation center like Goodwill, unexpired food items to
a local food bank or pantry, and used linens – like sheets and blankets – to a
local animal shelter to keep their furry residents comfortable.
Yours Truly,
Jennifer LaCharite
Associate Broker - RE/MAX Fine Homes (Southern California)
Broker/Owner - LUXUS REALTY (Michigan)