Whether this is your first summer in your home or your 10th, here are some things you should be doing this season to take care of your property.
- Break out the power washer!
There’s no better time to power wash driveways, decks, walkways and your home’s exterior than when the weather is warm.
You’d be surprised how much of a difference a power wash can make in your home’s appearance (and curb appeal if you’re in the market to sell).
Before power washing, you should inspect your driveway & sidewalks for cracks and weeds. After clearing any weeds, wash away all the dirt, mould and grime that built up over the year.
If you don’t own a power washer, check with your local hardware store to rent one for an afternoon.
- Prevent bug break-ins!
We all love summer for the warm weather, but unfortunately, so do bugs. Summer is the ultimate breeding time for all bugs, and you want to ensure they can’t break into your home.
The best way to prevent bugs from entering your home is to ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed. You should go around all window & door frames to fill any cracks or holes with caulking. Also, check your window screens and replace any with tears or holes.
You can also reduce the chances of bug infiltrations by properly maintaining your yard and using your choice of pesticides or insecticides where needed.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, we recommend planting things that are natural bug deterrents like Citronella Grass, Basil, Peppermint, & Marigolds. You can also purchase insect repellent outdoor candles.
- Wipe everything, down to the baseboards!
Spring & summer mean lots of pollen, dust and dirt being tracked into your home from outside, so there’s no better time to get in some deep cleaning.
Dust & pollen are allergens that can cause you and your family discomfort during the summer months. A good deep cleaning & dusting can help alleviate some allergy symptoms.
Make sure you’re vacuuming & dusting regularly and using a gentle all-surface cleaner to remove remaining allergens.
- Swap your air filters!
When you’re using your air conditioner more often, that means more air is circulating through the filter, and more dust/debris is getting stuck.
You should be changing your filter every 90 days during the winter months, but in the summer, you should be changing your filter every 30 days, especially if you’re noticing a build-up of dust & debris.
Changing your filter regularly will also help anyone who has allergies.
- Prepare for heat waves!
The summer heat can get pretty intense, and so can your electricity bill when you run your air conditioner 24/7.
To help reduce your energy consumption, ensure that any south-facing windows have sufficient coverage to prevent direct sunlight from entering your home. Check all door & window seals to ensure cold air isn’t escaping.
In the case that a heat wave turns into a blackout, ensure you have items like batteries, flashlights, canned food, water bottles and a first aid kit.
Also, help those in need in your neighbourhood if you’re able. Check on anyone needing extra help, especially the elderly or those living alone.
