No matter if you live in the northern or southern hemisphere, the seasons go around one by one, each one having different requirements for a comfortable life. Summer is widely the most beloved season because it brings a lot of joy to people—holidays, warm weather, beach, etc.
However, this time of frolicking has to end as well. So what kind of maintenance does your home require before it says goodbye to summer and hello to fall and winter?
Pruning
If you have a lot of greenery in your home, especially bigger items like trees and bushes, it might be smart to give them a nice prune at the end of summer. If you notice any abnormal growth, sick or dead branches and overgrown branches, give them a trim.
This way, you’ll have a neat garden all through fall and winter and get a clear view of your plants during the spring growth. Plus, you’ll have so much fewer dead leaves to rake if you remove some of them in advance!
Cleaning the gutters
Gutter cleaning is a super important part of every home maintenance checklist, yet it is a criminally neglected chore by most homeowners. Make sure to clean your gutters twice a year, once in the late summer and once in spring, to remove all the dead leaves, plant debris, dust and animals from the pipes.
And don’t underestimate this job—arm yourself with a ladder, gloves, tarps, pressure washers and buckets, because it can get messy, especially if you run into an animal nest. But, clean gutters will provide you with healthy landscaping, façade, foundation and fixtures.
Inspecting the roof
The roof has so much to withstand during winter—rain, snow, high winds, ice, etc.—so make sure it’s ready for these challenges. Do a little inspection of your roof and repair any damaged shingles and patch up any holes. Check the attic for leaks as well. This is a quick and easy job (as long as you stay safe) but it can save you thousands of dollars.
AC maintenance
Undoubtedly the best time for AC maintenance is the late summer. Most people would think that spring maintenance is the right timemove to prepare the unit for summer, but that’s not really the case. The late summer (end of August to end of September) is optimal for AC maintenance because your unit just finished a heavy workout.
Also, the parts inside are quite sensitive to elements and you don’t want to open anything up when the weather is too harsh. And lastly, this is the time when you’ll get to choose which air conditioning repair company to see and when because the crowds are completely gone. You’ll gain access to the best of the best and end up with quick and efficient service.
Furnace maintenance
Here’s a general rule: if your furnace is going to stop working, it’s going to stop working on the coldest day of the year. That’s why it’s crucial to nip the problem in the bud and do your maintenance in August or September.
This late summer tuneup will help you save money in the long run, but also provide you with the ultimate comfort all throughout winter. Safety will also skyrocket because furnaces can cause serious issues on your property.
Cleaning of pavers and decks
Proper late summer maintenance involves maintaining your home from top to bottom, so don’t forget the floors. All summer long you’ve been grilling, lounging and having fun on your deck and driveway, so it’s time to repay them with some scrubbing loving. If you have any natural stone around your home, a gentle scrub will remove all the dirt, grime and general wear and tear signs.
If you leave food stains, oil stains and other dirt on there all through the winter, you will welcome spring with permanent stains. For the best results, use gentle cleansing products with a neutral hP and a soft brush. You can finish with a water-based penetrative sealer for long-term protection. If you see any cracks and holes, take the time to repair them.
Repainting and washing carpets
If there are some DIY projects you’re planning to do this year, late summer is a perfect time. Why? Well, the temperatures are still warm enough so you can leave the doors open or provide plenty of sun for the carpets to dry. Also, late summer is the off-season for such work so you can get away with good prices and zero crowds.
There you have it, all the little tasks you should do before the summer is over to have a healthy and comfy home all through the less hospitable seasons.
Written by Mike Johnston
