Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summer season. While scorching temps don’t always accompany the holiday, the weekend is typically about outdoor gatherings and BBQs. But you can’t host the perfect backyard picnic if your home isn’t ready. Even if you’re not having a get-together, the change in seasons means it’s time for summer home prep. You want to ensure your property can make it through the hot days, thunderstorms, and surge in plant growth.
Seasoned homeowners might run through the same checklist each year, overlooking technological advances or advice they’ve never considered before. And new property owners may not know where to start, quickly becoming overwhelmed by all the potential tasks they see. To keep things simple yet up to date, here are five tips to consider.
1. Don’t Forget the AC
As the temperature rises, your AC starts working overtime. Before the dog days of summer hit, make sure your system is in tip-top shape. If your unit is under 15 years old, schedule your annual tune-up in late May or early to mid-June. Yearly preventative maintenance optimizes your AC unit, keeps it running longer, and catches issues before they cause major malfunctions.
If it’s time to replace your unit, consider a mini split AC for your home. Unlike a central system, mini split units don’t rely on ductwork. You can install separate units in each room you need to cool when a fan won’t do the trick.
Mini split units let you control the climate in individual rooms and help save electricity. Plus, there’s less noise throughout the home. Pets that get anxious when the central AC kicks on will appreciate the quieter atmosphere. And residents with different cooling preferences won’t have to fight over what temperature to set the thermostat at. For homes without air conditioning, a mini split system can also offer owners more flexible and affordable cooling options.
2. Get Blackout Curtains
Maybe you’ve already got blinds on your windows. Perhaps you prefer curtains as window treatments instead. Either way, investing in blackout curtains can help block the sun’s heat during the day. The data is there to back up the potential energy savings, too. Blackout curtains can save 25% of thermal energy loss through your home’s windows.
And these types of window treatments block up to 99% of light. As a bonus, blackout curtains help make your home quieter by blocking 40% of noise.
You can find these types of window shades at major online and big box retailers. Just perform a search using the keywords blackout curtains. You’ll usually find a good mix of designs and colors to fit most aesthetic tastes. Once installed, keep these curtains closed on windows during the times when the sun is the strongest.
3. Troubleshoot Your Sprinkler System
According to EPA estimates, 28 million homes have in-ground sprinkler systems with automatic controllers. While in-ground systems can cut down on water waste, they require annual troubleshooting. As part of your summer prep, run through the zones on your system to check for leaks and potential repairs. Say you notice one of the heads in the yard is shooting water straight up like a geyser.
Time to replace it so your lawn can get the moisture instead of the sidewalk or fence. You’ll also want to adjust and clean any heads that got mispositioned or covered with debris over the winter. It may also be a good time to upgrade your system with smart technology to make it more efficient. Smart controllers with automatic weather delays due to rain and high winds prevent waste.
Soil sensors also help take the guesswork away, ensuring the system waters only when the lawn truly needs moisture. Not sure how to troubleshoot, make repairs, or install upgrades? Hire a well-recommended irrigation company to get your system summer-ready.
4. Pressure Wash Your Outdoor Space
Chances are you’ll be spending more time on your deck, porch, and patio. But these parts of your home could be a tad dirty from the colder months. Hosing them down may not be enough. Try a pressure washer instead. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can buy or rent one at your local home improvement store. Add a little soap designed to make decks and concrete surfaces sparkle.
You can get your outdoor spaces looking like new in a few hours or less. For newbies, there are plenty of YouTube videos to walk you through the process. From selecting the correct attachment for the job to how to clean different surfaces, you’ll find the guidance you need. In no time, you’ll be enjoying spotless outdoor spaces. If you have a grill, you can also use the pressure washer to remove built-up grease, dirt, and grime.
5. Clean Those Gutters
Before the summer downpours begin, you’ll want to rid your gutters of all the debris from the fall and winter. It’s not atypical for leaves, trash, and other unwanted items to get stuck in your gutters. Storms and high winds can blow items onto your roof and gutters without your knowledge, leading to clogged downspouts.
Now, if climbing up on a ladder isn’t your cup of tea, you can always hire the pros. They’ll know how to safely clean your gutters without damaging your roof. Many pros also use a hose and water to flush out trace debris while testing the flow. This method helps identify leaks and other necessary repairs. Depending on the height of your home, you may want to leave the job to the pros anyhow.
Two-story homes can be tricky. And even with ranch-style houses, there could be areas too high for you to safely reach by yourself.
Your Summer Ready Home
Summer’s right around the corner. You might be dreaming of enjoying longer days, feeling warm air on your skin, and participating in outdoor fun. Just don’t forget to give your home the TLC it needs to survive the peak of the hot season.
