Summer Home Tips

Happy First Day of Summer! With the change in season comes new tips for home care. These suggestions can help reduce cooling expenses, avoid summer-related accidents, and ensure that you, your loved ones, and your home are ready for the warmer weather. Whether you enjoy the heat or prefer staying cool indoors, it is essential to take proactive measures to prepare your home for the upcoming hot days.

Take Care of Cooling Equipment

If you have central AC, now is the time to change your filter. A dirty filter can spread dust, dander, and other pollutants throughout the home. It also increases the chances of AC unit malfunctions or having condensation build-up. It's recommended to replace the filter every 90 days and more often during high pollen and mold seasons.

It's also important to have your central AC system professionally serviced at least once a year. While changing the filter is good for general maintenance, a trained technician will be able to do a more in-depth inspection, ensuring proper refrigerant levels and coil charge.

Don't have central AC? There is still maintenance that should be done! If you have window units in your home, they have filters too that should be removed and replaced, or cleaned with soapy water a couple times throughout the cooling season.

Keep Humidity and Air Pollutants in Check

Summer weather and high moisture in the air create the ideal conditions for dust mites, mold, and other allergens in your home. To prevent this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends you keep humidity levels below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent.

If you're dealing with high moisture levels in areas like a basement, a stand-alone dehumidifier can be beneficial. For those in extremely humid regions, consider investing in a whole-house dehumidifier that can be integrated with your existing HVAC system or set up independently.

Be Prepared for Extreme Weather

Summer brings more than extreme heat; depending on where you live, it can also bring hurricanes or tornadoes. Stay informed and ready with tips from our latest blog post on how to ensure you and your homes' safety during hurricane season.

Inspect for Summer Pests

Summer is the prime season for termites and carpenter ants - both love moist soil and rotting wood. These pests can cause considerable damage to your home if left unchecked, so it's important to be proactive in preventing infestations. Regularly inspecting your property for any potential entry points and addressing any moisture issues can help protect your home from these destructive insects.

If you suspect pests have entered your home, watch out for a) piles of sawdust near baseboards indicating carpenter ants, or b) small wings near windowsills and walls signaling termites.

Other common summer pests are mosquitos and ticks. The best way to get rid of them is to eliminate their breeding grounds. Mosquitoes need standing water, so take caution with small ponds and pools, birdbaths, empty gardening pots, etc. Ticks thrive in tall grass so be sure to mow your lawn regularly.

Start Rotating Your Ceiling Fans Counterclockwise

Switching your ceiling fans to run counterclockwise during the summer helps push cool air down and reduces humidity levels by drawing moisture out of the air in your home.

If you keep running your ceiling fans counterclockwise at the same time you are running your air conditioning, this could also help cool your home more efficiently while saving you some $$$.

Prepare Your Primary Home and Vacation Home

Returning to your vacation home after an extended absence can be both exciting and overwhelming. The first order of business is to carefully inspect both the exterior and interior for any damage that may have occurred in your absence. This step is crucial to address any issues promptly and ensure that your property remains in top condition. By staying proactive and addressing any damages promptly, you can keep your vacation home in pristine condition for your next visit.

Similarly, if you are leaving your primary home for an extended period, taking the time to properly prepare your house is essential. By following a checklist and making the necessary arrangements, you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved summer getaway without any worries about the state of your home.