Is Your Home Ready for Summer?
Now that winter has ceded to spring, it’s time to prepare your home for warmer temperatures, higher humidity and the possibility of seasonal wind-driven storms. It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s really not if you have a handy guide to browse. Read on to learn how you can get your home ready for summer inside and out and step by step.
Outdoor Inspection
You’ve probably already inspected your roof and gutters for any damage that may have occurred during the winter. Use a pair of binoculars to take another look. You don’t want to miss any pockmarks, damaged roof tiles or clogged gutter sections.
Make sure your trees are trimmed back from your roof and outdoor HVAC system. You don’t want any branches falling and damaging these systems. Moreover, there shouldn’t be any obstacles blocking airflow to the HVAC unit on all sides and the top.
Indoor HVAC Cleaning
Be sure to include your HVAC system on your spring cleaning list. It’s essential to allow free airflow through your home, the return ducts and supply ducts for maximum cooling efficiency.
Wipe and clean the vents and registers.
- Change the furnace filter.
- Clean the air handler evaporator.
- Clean your portable or whole-home dehumidifier.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors, CO alarms and your thermostat.
- Schedule HVAC and water heater maintenance.
- Change ceiling fan direction to blow downward.
Attic and Basement Ready for Summer?
Perhaps your least favorite part of this list is inspecting your attic, basement and/or crawl space. These spaces — especially your attic — can be dangerous, so be mindful of attic safety.
- Check to make sure attic insulation neatly and evenly covers the joists and isn’t wind-blown and piled in a corner.
- Seal noisy air ducts with metal tape, whether in the attic or basement.
- Seal the attic door with foam weatherstripping.