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summer maintenance tips

Top Summer Home Maintenance Projects For 2017

Spring is in full swing which means you probably already started your long list of outdoor projects. Each new season brings a list of projects and things to think about. Before you know it, summer will arrive with increased energy bills and unpredictable evening storms. Skipping vital summer maintenance projects can leave you with clogged gutters, faulty cooling systems, and big repair bills to get your home back on track.
We’ve put together a list of the most important summer maintenance projects to plan for now.

  1. Clean out gutters.
Cleaning gutters regularly is the best way to prevent leaks into your home. Lay a tarp or blanket on the ground where you are cleaning and throw the debris onto it to keep you from having to clean your yard afterward. Don’t forget to wear gloves during the process to protect your hands from sharp objects.

  1. Get your cooling system checked.
Some Pennsylvania summers can be brutal with heat and humidity. The last thing you need is to have your AC system fail in the ninety-degree weather. Contact your local HVAC Company early in the season to check you’re AC and do any necessary maintenance.

  1. Inspect your roof.
Summer months bring significant storms to our area that can wreak havoc on roofs. Inspect your roof before those storms arrive to make sure shingles are in place or find any causes for concern. Properly maintaining your roof eliminates unwanted leaks and flooding indoors later.

  1. Clean your refrigerator coils.
Cleaning behind your refrigerator is often forgotten about in the spring and summer months when you spend the majority of your time outdoors. Dust and dirt on refrigerator coils can cost you money extra energy expenses throughout the year. Schedule a time to move the fridge and clean the dusty coils and save your energy for cooling your home.

  1. Check the windows.
Walk around your house to check windows for loose sealants. Caulk any openings where warm air can get in and then do the same from inside your home. Replace any loose weather stripping too.

  1. Clean your home exterior.
A lot happened outside from last summer to this summer. Pressure washing your home’s exterior is the best way to remove built-up dirt and mold. Ignoring dirt and mold can lead to bigger problems like replacing materials and health issues.  

  1. Check your dryer vent pipe.
More than 2,000 fires are reported each year due to clogged dryer vent pipes. Make it a point to check your vent pipe each season and remove built up lint and dirt. This not only helps your dryer perform better, but it also saves you dealing with an unwanted loss.

  1. Refasten loose siding.
Siding protects your home from outside forces like wind, rain, and hail. Refasten or replace loose siding quickly to avoid more damage from winds this summer.

  1. Check outdoor play equipment.
Double check that all play equipment like swing sets and slides are safe to use. Look for loose nails, bowed pieces of lumber and rusty hooks or hinges. Replace these to keep little ones out of harm’s way.

  1. Don’t forget pool maintenance.
Pools are a fun addition to any backyard. But they also require yearly maintenance to remain a safe place. In addition to cleaning your pool, make sure pumps work properly, and you have the proper safety protocols to avoid unwanted accidents. Consider adding alarms or locked gates to protect yourself.

Enjoy the rest of spring, but make sure you take the time to add these home maintenance projects to your to-do list. If you are planning any big projects, contact your insurance agent to make sure any new additions or investments are covered on your homeowner's insurance.