The summer season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to get a head start on those home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off all year. Summer is the perfect time to work on your home since the weather is finally warm and you can take advantage of the sunshine.
As a homeowner, it’s important that you take the right steps to protect your home from any issues. Even if you’re not a professional, you can do a lot of these maintenance projects yourself. Keep reading for the best maintenance tips to protect your home all year long.
1. Clean the Outside of Your Windows
In the winter, it’s impossible to really clean the outside of your windows. Now that the weather is warmer, it’s time to put some elbow grease into getting those windows clean. While you know to clean the inside of your windows, what about the outside?
During colder months, damage builds up on your windows. This grime and dirt can lead to damage, causing cracks in the surface if you’re not careful. You want to ensure you’re preventing any additional damage. While you’re cleaning, this is the perfect time to apply a protective layer to your windows to prepare them for another year.
2. Clean and Clear Your Gutters
Nothing is less fun than cleaning the gutters. It’s earned a reputation for being one of the most dreaded types of housework. However, it’s really important to clean your gutters to keep them free of debris and other fallen leaves. This debris can leave to major damage, causing water to pool in your yard that will wear down your home’s foundation.
3. Check for pests.
Another maintenance activity is to check for any pests. While you should do preventative pest control all year long, this is the best time to make sure nothing’s been overlooked.
Pests can wreak havoc on your yard and home if you’re not careful. They’re usually the most active in the summer months, so keep a vigilant eye on both rodents and bugs. You might need to hire a professional for an expert opinion.
4. Clean Your Air Ducts
When’s the last time you’ve cleaned your air ducts? If you’re like most homeowners, it’s probably been a while. This is the time of year when most people suffer from allergies, and all of these allergens get caught in your home’s air circulation.
How do you cut down on allergens? The only way is to get your air ducts professionally cleaned. This is something you should do every year, even if you don’t suffer from allergies. It’s the best way to keep your air conditioner running at full capacity with fewer repairs.
5. Refresh Your Paint
The paint in your home naturally fades over time. You might notice that the color you loved so much in the beginning slowly lost its brightness throughout the years. Paint oxidizes over time, and it’s also affected by the pollutants and chemicals in your home.
The best way to transform your space without a lot of effort is to simply apply a fresh coat of paint. You can swap out to a trendier shade or even just add a new coat of white. This is one of the best home maintenance tips to liven up your space.
6. Check Your Smoke Alarms
Of course, you want to prioritize your safety. This means taking the time to really check your smoke alarms. We all know we’re supposed to test our alarms on a monthly basis, but that’s a task that’s easily forgotten. Now, take a few minutes to check your smoke alarms and make sure they’re in working order. Replace any batteries as needed.
7. Clean Your Washing Machine
One of the most expensive appliances in your home is your washing machine. This is one of the most often used appliances, but how often do you clean it? If you’re not cleaning your washer regularly, it’s likely home to residue buildup, odors, and more than all could be contaminating your clothes.
The best way to clean your washing machine is with a DIY cleaner solution or with a store-bought cleaner designed for washing machines. The more regularly you clean your washing machine, the less buildup you’ll have to worry about.
8. Trim Outside Trees
Last but not least, take a look at your yard. Trees and shrubs near your home look great, but they might also pose a risk if you’re not careful. Trees can attract pests and even help them gain entry to your home, and they also pose a threat during storms and other severe weather.
Take some time to have your trees and shrubs trimmed so they’re ready for another season. You might need to hire a professional if they’re really overgrown.
Protect Your Home with the Right Maintenance
These maintenance tips to protect your home really go the extra mile. If you’re not careful with your home maintenance, you’ll find yourself facing expensive repairs and problems. That’s never any fun.
Doing a bit of work early on before problems happen will help you avoid any issues in the first place. As a homeowner, these tasks above should regularly be on your to-do list.