Late Summer Maintenance

While we would never suggest trading in a day at the beach or lake for something as mundane as changing out your air conditioner filters, there are some projects that should be on your late summer to-do list. Choose a rainy or cool day to get them done, or do a few at a time in between the more fun activities.

Now, about that filter... Your heating and cooling system air filter needs to be replaced every couple of months to keep the air in your home clean and flowing freely. It’s an easy enough task to do without calling a pro. However, if you want to close out one season for the next, it might be a good idea to call your local HVAC professional to service the A/C unit and tune up the furnace if it hasn’t been done since last year.

Tackle the kitchen! Some important cleaning tasks are neglected day to day. Once in a while, such as a rainy summer day, will do. First, clean all that cooking grease from the range hood or over the range microwave fan. You can remove the filter from the fan and either soak it in hot soapy water or run it through the dishwasher.  Next appliance, the refrigerator. Did you know you can save money on your power bill if the coils are clean? The coils are either underneath or in the back of the fridge. You can use a vacuum to clean those areas.

Moving outside, there are a few things you can do to freshen up and get ready for the new season. Consider power washing your house or simply use the garden hose and a mild detergent. Examine your deck and see if it’s time to clean and seal it. Try to get a good look at your roof and see if any shingles need to be replaced. Oh, and if you have a fireplace or stove for heat, don’t forget your chimney! Get an expert to inspect and clean it.

The transition of one season to the next is also a good time to declutter and reorganize. School will start, sports and activities will have you running around town on a daily basis, and before you know it, the holidays are right around the corner but you’re still kicking flip-flops out of the way while you’re looking for lost mittens.

You can avoid the overwhelming feeling of disorganization with a plan for swapping out the summer accessories and making sure the fall and winter gear is accessible. As you sort, make piles of things to toss and things to give away.

We don’t mean to rush the final weeks of summer. Go out and enjoy them, knowing your home is ready for what’s next. And if you’re looking for more tips, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter!