Summer is about iced lemonades, biggest-splash-ever cannonballs and neighborhood barbecues. And right before the fun times begin, it’s important to take a few moments to focus on home maintenance. From ensuring your air conditioning system is working efficiently to scheduling the sprinklers, Dave Perry-Miller & Associates brings you helpful home maintenance reminders so you’re prepared for summer.
Outdoors
At the top of the checklist is HVAC maintenance. This is a critical must-do, because a hard-working air conditioner is essential during triple-digit summer heat. The experts at Angie’s List — an online business created to empower consumers by endorsing the best contractors and experts in specific areas, including HVAC — report that you need to have your system checked annually. A professional can also clean your system to ensure the filters and parts are primed to operate at full capacity.
Next, if you have a swimming pool, give it a little TLC by making sure the water is topped off, the filter is clean, and leaves and debris are removed from the bottom. Also consider having the water professionally tested to ensure the mineral content, pH and chlorine are at the appropriate levels. To keep your pool in picture-perfect shape all year long, have a professional test the water monthly.
Other experts recommend outdoor maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters and inspecting your home’s foundation for signs of termites and other pests. A roof inspection, including skylights, is also recommended every three years, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Another helpful hint: Check your sprinklers to make sure they’ll give your thirsty plants a refreshing drink this summer. Turn them on to confirm each one is efficiently watering its target — and not the sidewalk. Repair any sprinkler heads that have been damaged by lawn care equipment or age. Also, for automated systems, check that the days and times you have programmed are in line with your neighborhood’s ordinance. All across Dallas, water restrictions are in effect, so it’s vital to follow the schedule.
Indoors
Inside the home, consider checking and cleaning appliance vents, such as the range hood and dryer, according to experts at The Nest. These professionals also recommend testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are in working order. (This is a quick task that can be done on a monthly basis throughout the entire year.) And inspect fire extinguishers too.
Home building and maintenance expert Bob Villa offers a final piece of advice: Check the seals around your doors and windows for air flow. Replace weather stripping where needed to help keep the cool air inside. As the temperatures spike in the coming months, you’ll appreciate the effort.
What seasonal home maintenance tips would you like to share? We welcome your ideas and suggestions.
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Dave Perry Miller & Associates is a premier residential real estate firm with five locations that specialize in marketing the key areas of the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, Uptown, Lakewood, East Dallas, and Kessler Park. Dave Perry-Miller & Associates is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International. For more information on luxury living, please contact an associate today at 214-369-6000. Also visit daveperrymiller.com/blog for the latest news in Dallas real estate.
Consider checking and cleaning appliance vents, such as the range hood in the kitchen.
