Summer doesn’t officially start until June 20, but with the children out of school and temperatures rising, most of us are ready to slather on sunscreen and pour a fruity pool drink. Before you jump into summer vacation mode, we suggest tackling a few maintenance projects now to keep your home running smoothly all season.
Keep Your Cool
The last thing you want during the dog days of summer is a broken AC unit. Schedule your HVAC maintenance checkup early in the season with a professional company to have the condenser cleaned, fan motor lubricated and a general inspection to ensure your unit is in working shape all summer long. Now’s also the time to dust ceiling fans and install window air conditioners.
Prep Your pool
Put the filtration system together, clean out all the baskets and remove any plugs that you put in when you closed the pool last year. Top the water off. Have a professional at a local pool supply store run a free complete water check. They can tell you what levels need adjusted, how much and suggest products to help. Test your pool’s pH levels daily throughout the season to keep the chemicals balanced and your pool safe for swimming. Be sure to keep the filter clean and vacuum the pool weekly. Or better yet, let a professional pool maintenance company handle keeping your pool crystal clear.
Bug Off
Keep the ant parades, mosquito air attacks and other summertime pest issues at bay with some preventive maintenance. Trim any bushes or shrubs that touch your house’s exterior. This helps protect against termites, carpenter ants and other wood-destroying insects. Rodents are attracted to birdseed, so keep your bird feeders at least 25 feet from your home. Alleviate all sources of standing water on your property to eliminate mosquitoes before they start hatching. Also, know when it’s time to call in professional pest control. If you continue to see pests frequently, and especially in the same places, it is time to call in a professional to avoid serious damage to your property and home.
Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls
Check your irrigation system to make sure it is running properly to save on water bills, reduce standing water and provide optimum hydration for your landscaping. Program your system to the optimal summer settings to keep your grass green and flowers blooming all summer long. A professional can also check and maintain your irrigation system.
With a little prep and maintenance work now, you will have more time to enjoy the beautiful summer weather in the Tennessee Valley!
For a list of home professionals in our area to help with your summer checklist, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga’s member directory at www.HBAGC.net.