Maintaining your home in the summer is essential to ensure it remains in good condition and comfortable during the hot and humid weather. Here are some summer home maintenance tips specifically tailored to our climate:
- Air Conditioning Maintenance:
- Clean or replace the air filters regularly (at least every 1-2 months) to improve airflow and energy efficiency.
- Check and clean the outdoor condenser unit of your HVAC system from any debris, leaves, or vegetation that might obstruct airflow.
- Schedule an annual professional HVAC inspection to identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems.
- Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate the indoor temperature efficiently.
- Humidity Control:
- Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 40-50%, which will make your home feel more comfortable and prevent mold growth.
- Ensure your home is properly sealed to keep humidity from seeping indoors.
- Roof and Gutters:
- Check your roof for any signs of damage or leaks. Florida's intense sun and heavy rains can take a toll on the roof over time.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogging and water damage to the home's foundation. See the video below to find out what happened in my home office due to a clogged gutter. It was a disaster, but it could have been much worse. It also could have been prevented.
- Landscaping:
- Trim back trees and shrubs to prevent them from touching the house and causing potential damage during storms or hurricanes.
- Regularly water your lawn and plants, especially during dry periods, to keep them healthy in the heat. You know how it is here…pouring two days, sweltering heat and boiling sun the next three, and so on.
- Windows and Doors:
- Ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent warm air from entering your home and cold air from escaping, leading to increased energy bills.
- Check the windowsills after storms to ensure that there isn’t water intrusion, which can lead to serious issues if not repaired in a timely manner.
- Pool Maintenance:
- Maintain proper chemical balance and clean it regularly to keep the water safe and refreshing during hot summer days.
- Let a bit of water out (no more than a foot) if you know it’s going to heavily storm to prevent it from overflowing.
- Storm Preparedness*:
- Consider getting a generator to keep appliances like your fridge, a fan, and your phone running if the power goes out.
- Keep items like flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, a solar cell phone charger, and a multi-tool handy should a storm knock out power.
Remember, proactive maintenance is key to preserving the value of your home and ensuring it remains a comfortable and safe haven during the hottest, and rainest, months.
*Although not really a home maintenance tip, getting some things to prepare for a storm is essential.
