This is Texas. It’s the first day of June and we’re already nearing those triple digit summer temperatures! That’s why it’s important to start your summer home maintenance early. It can cut your chances of running into potentially expensive problems and repairs. No one wants the AC to break on a 95-degree day.
Parents take their children to the doctor on a regular basis for their regular checkups. Cars undergo inspection once a year. Maintenance activities like these catch problems early on when they’re easier and cheaper to fix. The same goes for a well-maintained home.
These tips apply to new homes in San Marcos. Starting early ensures the home lasts for many years to come. Here are eight tips to verify your home is summer-ready and the air conditioning always works.
- Tune up the Air Conditioner
Regular maintenance ensures your air conditioning works without driving up the electricity bill. Some homeowners may have a maintenance agreement with an air conditioning and heating business. This includes two maintenance sessions: one in the spring and one in the fall. While you’re at it, replace your air filter on your AC every one to three months to keep it efficient.
- Check the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The easiest way most people remember to check the detectors is when daylight saving time begins and ends. Or you can do it at the same time you do your winter and summer home maintenance. Put in fresh batteries, clear any dust and debris to prevent false alarms, and test the alarm.
Before testing the alarm, contact your alarm monitoring company to let them know you’re testing to avoid charges. For homes that use hardwired detectors and no battery changes, test the regular and backup batteries.
- Wash and Inspect Windows
Clean the glass of all your exterior windows. While you’re at it, look at the sealant around the windows inside and outside for leaks. These can drive up your electric bill. Use caulk on any open spaces and replace the weather-stripping. Do the same for doors.
- Keep Dirt Out
Summer brings in a lot of dirt, muck, and mud. Keep it out of the house with a doormat on the outside of the door and soft one on the inside. Or make it a habit to take off shoes at the door.
- Clean the Grill
Summertime usually means grilling time. To clean a gas grill, turn the heat on high and close the lid for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the grill cool. Then, brush it with a grill brush, wipe the exterior with a wet sponge and gentle cleanser, and clean the drip pans.
With a charcoal grill, empty it and clear out the ashes and residue. Clean it completely with hot water, scrub sponge, and liquid dishwashing soap. Let it dry before using it.
- Add Fresh Mulch
Adding mulch every year helps the ground stay moist during the hot season and let the plants grow. It’ll also reduce weeds.
- Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
The tiniest of drips can waste a lot of water. So, look at the hoses and faucets for leaks. If you find pinhole-sized leaks, cover it up with electrical tape. Before wrapping it, let the hose dry.
- Set a Watering Schedule
Stay on top of San Marcos’ year-round watering restrictions, which has rules for irrigation with sprinklers. In the past, the city has posted watering restrictions. You can train your yard and garden to survive dry days by watering more a couple of days a week instead of a little every day. This approach will ensure the plants grow deep, strong roots.
Summer home maintenance typically takes one weekend to do. It’s worth it as it’ll keep your utility bills down and help your air conditioning survive another summer. Alternatively, you can bring in professionals to do some of these for you.
Looking for new homes in San Marcos? Check out TRACE, a master-planned community filled with many amenities. The community not only has three parks but also it will have onsite retailers and an elementary school. Both builders have experience in conceiving long-lasting new homes in San Marcos. They know the lay of the land and design homes to fit San Marcos’ weather and landscape.
