Top 10 Tips for Preparing Your Home for Summer

People often remember the importance of preparing their homes for the cold winter months but neglect to plan for summer. We remember to take care of spring cleaning inside the home and fall cleaning outside, but summer is overlooked. Yet there are several important steps you should be taking care of before or as summer approaches. Some of these are seasonally appropriate and others are just tasks that should be done annually so this is as good a time as any to take care of them.

1. Change the direction of your ceiling fan - Many homeowners are not even aware of the fact that they should be using the directional operation on their ceiling fan. In the summer you want to be sure that the direction of your ceiling fans will create a breeze which makes the room feel cooler. This is the opposite of what should have been done in the winter when it was changed in order to circulate heat.
2. Replace your HVAC filters - Your filters should be changed or at least cleaned every month, 60 days at the most. So the start of summer is the opportune time to start the season with a fresh filter. It is especially important this time of year because of the increase in allergens in the air.
3. Plant or trim existing tree by outside air conditioning unit - The shade helps your system run more efficiently by directing already cooler air inside. If you have already been growing one, this is the ideal time to trim it and make sure it, or other debris, are not blocking or affecting the ability of the unit to work properly.
4. Inspect the roof - Flashing, caulking, shingles and other elements of the roof should be checked thoroughly. This is especially important if you had any severe spring storms. If so, check the roofing sooner or let a professional have a look. If you have damage that might be covered by your home owners insurance, you have a small window of time in which to file a claim.
5. Check around windows and doors for caulking etc - Summer is the ideal time for bugs to start to find their way into your home. Prevent insects or warm air from getting in by inspecting all the possible ways the outside elements can sneak into your home.
6. Prepare the pool - If you are fortunate enough to have a pool then now is the time to get it ready for another full season of use. If you do not have the time then pay a professional to come over for cleaning it and getting the water levels where they should be and ready for use.
7. Get other outdoor areas ready - Your patio, porch or outdoor kitchen or living area are all about to go into overdrive. You may have even used these areas some during the fall, winter or spring. But now is a good time to do a thorough cleaning and make sure there is no damage from previous seasons.
8. Check on the attic - This is especially important if you do not have a vent or fan to adequately circulate the air in this part of your home. Go through boxes and get rid of things you no longer need. And if you have valuables that may not fare well during extreme summer heat and relocate them to a more appropriate area of your home.
9. Switch over to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs - These bulbs give off much less heat than standard incandescent bulbs. Make the rooms feel cooler and help reduce strain on your cooling system by making the switch.
10. Consider your landscaping - Planting, mowing and all those other tasks that make the exterior of your home really stand out during this time year should be planned for. Decide if you are mowing or hiring a professional landscaper and the same goes for cleaning up your landscaping. Keeping the yard clean and organized now will make it easier for you to start leaf cleaning once fall rolls in.

Most of all, have fun and get ready to make more great summer family memories.