9 Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for Summer

You may have been mentally ready for summer since December, but is your house? Before temperatures begin to surge, make sure your home is ready for the warm temperatures – both inside and out. Here are nine tips to get you ready.

1. Give your A/C a tune up.

The last thing you want is for your air conditioner to go out in the sizzling heat of August. Before it starts to go through the marathon of Texas summers, have a professional come out to check for any leaks or damage and to make sure all of the equipment is running as efficiently as possible.

2. Check your hoses and sprinkler system for leaks.

While North Texas has been blessed with ample rains this past year and are no longer under severe drought and water preservation conditions, it’s important to make sure there are no leaks in your garden hoses or sprinkler system. You can get a garden hose repair kit at a local hardware store or a certified sprinkler repair company can take care of any underground lines.

3. Adjust your automatic sprinklers.

Double check your sprinklers’ watering time. During the summer it’s best to water in the late evening once the sun has set or in the early morning when the air is most cool. To help your yard retain moisture, let your grass grow slightly longer than you would in the spring or fall.

4. Clean and adjust your ceiling fans.

You may have done this at your annual spring cleaning, but now is definitely the time to make sure those ceiling fan blades are clean to maximize efficiency as well as from spreading dust throughout the home. Also check the fan’s settings to make sure it is rotating to bring the cool air down. Turn off your fans when they aren’t in use and when you leave the house.

5. Maintain your pool.

Your pool is about to see a lot of use so make sure the chemical levels and pH balance of the water is correct. Take a water sample into your local pool store so they can test it. Also make sure your pump is operating during daylight hours.

6. Check and clean your filters.

Make sure you have clean filters installed in your heating and cooling systems. Having clean filters helps your system run most efficiently, saving you on energy bills and will also maintain longer. Clean out your vents throughout the home to ensure the cleanest breathable air for you and your family.

7. Check your programmable thermostat.

First, if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, they’re a great investment. They offer increased comfort, more control and big savings. Make sure your thermostat is set at 78 during the day so your A/C isn’t cooling an empty house and make sure it’s not set too low at night so it’s not constantly running.

8. Skip the oven.

No, this isn’t an excuse to skip cooking all together, but replace the oven for the grill. Using the oven can create heat in your home making it more difficult to cool down. Run your appliances, like your dishwasher, at night. This will help save you energy and money since the humidity created from the dishwasher can compete with A/C.

9. Clean your windows.

Before it gets too hot, clean all of your home’s windows inside and out. Rinse the window screens and check for any damage. While your cleaning, check the window’s weather stripping and replace, if necessary. You definitely want to keep the cool air in and the hot air out!

–

The Minteer Team has a passion for delivering top quality service and helping clients find their dream home. We’ve been helping clients for over thirty years! Is someone you know wanting to sell their home? Or maybe you’re ready to buy this summer? Give us a call! Our highly qualified agents are waiting to help!