Ways to Prepare Your Home For Summer
Summer has always been about freedom. Freedom from school, freedom to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest—freedom to be you. Yet, despite these benefits, summer certainly knows how to bring the heat (especially in Texas), and now is the perfect time to run through your summer maintenance checklist to ensure your home is ready for the season.
Check Your AC
In Texas, air conditioning is essential. The last thing you want is your AC breaking down during the hottest time of the year. And if you have young ones or elderly living in your home, it can even become a health risk. To keep you from experiencing the sweaty summer blues, have a trained professional inspect your AC before the hot weather rolls in. And while they’re at it, have them check your air ducts for proper air flow. Regularly inspecting your AC doesn’t just keep your air cool either; it can save you on electric bills and increase the efficiency of your system.
Inspect Detectors
The safety of your family always comes first, and it’s vital to have a professional check your smoke and detectors, as well as any other essential home systems your home may have. Carbon monoxide is typically clear, tasteless, and odorless, which is why it’s often referred to as the silent killer. As for fires, it’s important to detect the early signs of a fire to ensure your family has the maximum amount of time to evacuate. Every second counts during an emergency, which is why we also encourage homeowners to have trained professionals monitor your fire and security alarms to bring you further peace of mind.
Prepare Your Patio
Your backyard and patio are perfect places to connect with friends and family during the summer months, so it’s beneficial to make sure it’s clean and ready to go. It’s likely that dirt, grime, and pollen has built up on your patio over spring, but nice powerwash can easily remedy that. If you have patio furniture, give them a nice wipe down with cleaning supplies and make an effort to wash any cushion covers you might have. The grill is another place that will need your attention. Disconnect the propane and soak your grates in water and dish soap. Next, use a metal scrubby to thoroughly clean the inside of the grill and the grates once they’ve soaked long enough. Rinse with water, reconnect the propane, and now your patio is ready for your next summer cook off!
Take Care of the Yard
During the summer months, it’s important to give your lawn a great deal of additional care to make up for the harsh elements. Weeds, insects, watering, moving. These are just a few things to be mindful of when caring for your lawn. By keeping it well manicured and free of harmful insects and weeds, you’ll create a safe and attractive space for your family to share. Beetles often lag eggs during the spring and they hatch during the summer. Apply pesticides, but be mindful of the product’s instructions. We also recommend keeping your grass slightly higher in the summer. This will ensure that your roots grow deeper, which helps keep your lawn looking lush and green.
If you’d like to learn other home care tips, head over to the Britton Homes blog. Want to learn more about our luxury homes? Visit us online or talk to a representative today.