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Summer is the season of rising temperatures, days by the lake, and activities outside the home. As the weather improves, it’s a great time to take care of home repairs and maintenance projects that aren’t practical to do during the winter, or get the jump on things that could cause a headache later on. To make sure you can kick back and relax when the sunshine hits, here are ten things you can do to prepare your home for a peaceful and refreshing summer.
“The Big Clean” can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Schedule outdoor tasks for the cooler hours of the day, and try tackling one large job or a few smaller ones at a time so you don’t burn through your motivation. If you also replace your air filters, the end result will be a breath of fresh air in more ways than one!
The beginning of summer is a good time to have maintenance done on the things you really don’t want breaking down when you need them. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and schedule any technicians based on when you’re likely to need the device. Your AC is best serviced before it gets hot, but your furnace or gutters might be able to wait, since you can sometimes get a good deal from servicing companies when business slows down in the middle of summer.
It’s the perfect time to fix that draft you found over the winter. Upgrading your insulation and sealing drafts will make the cold air from your AC stick around longer, keep you warmer when the cold rolls back around, and help you save on your electrical bill.
Summer evenings are for lounging around on the deck or next to an open window, not swatting bugs off your face! It’s a good idea to get your yard cleaned up and spray for insects before they move in, and trimming up your bushes and sealing cracks will discourage bugs, mice, and other small animals from living in them. If you don’t want to spray for bugs, try growing plants that ward them off -lavender, lemon balm, and peppermint are good options.
Take care of water damage and loose tiles, clean your gutters and clear the drains so you can enjoy summer storms without worrying about leaks or floods. You can also replace or reseal boards in your deck and fence to keep them sturdy and protect against rot. It’s also a good idea to take care of any dead or overhanging branches that strong winds could send flying.
Summer is a popular time to get out of the house for a few days or weeks, so it’s nice to have security measures in place when you’re out and about. Whether it’s putting together a neighbourhood watch, asking a friend to check in and water the plants, or installing some of our cameras and entry sensors, knowing that there are trustworthy eyes on your property will let you relax while you’re away.
When the weather’s nice and doors and windows are opening and closing more than usual, it’s easy to accidentally leave something open or unlocked. A quick walk to check your windows and doors before going to sleep can give you some reassurance and peace of mind, or you can install door and window sensors to check them on your phone!
If you have a ceiling fan, try changing the direction the blades spin (usually by hitting a switch on the base). While these fans bring hot air back down to you in the winter, having them turn counterclockwise will draw the heat up and away from the center of the room, keeping you cool and creating a nice breeze.
Check your stock of fuel and clean your grill at the start of the season so it’s ready when you want to cook. You can heat a gas grill and scrub it with a grill brush, or wipe down a charcoal grill with soap, hot water, and a sponge. Just remember to clear a “grill zone” (at least 3ft from the nearest wall and 10ft from burnable materials) when you’re cooking in case stray embers start to fly.
If you haven’t already done so, setting up a security system before you head out for the summer is a great way to maintain your peace of mind while you're away. Installing a few video cameras and door sensors with the ability to check in remotely will put all of your worries to rest while you're out!
Like many things, summer preparations are best done early to maximize the time you have to enjoy the season. We hope these tips will help set you up for a relaxing summer. And if you’re interested in adding home security to your to-do list, we’ll be happy to lend you a hand.
