Summer is on its way and in the Midwest that means we need to be ready for an abundance of heat, humidity and summertime pests. Is your home ready for the long summer months? If you are not sure, you may need to run through this maintenance checklist designed to help you get through the summer months in comfort.
1. Screen Check: On cooler days it may be tempting to open your windows and allow the cross breeze to cool your home. But with a mild winter: bugs, mosquitoes and tiny pests will be out in force and you will want to keep them outside where they belong. Take some time to inspect your window screens and storm door screens and make sure they are not damaged or have holes.
2. Replace Your F
urnace Filter: It may seem odd to be worrying about your furnace ahead of summer time, but keep in mind that your AC system and your furnace work together. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to clean and/or replace it monthly to ensure that your heating and cooling equipment are functioning properly.
3. Look for Leaks: Inspect all outdoor hoses for damages and leaks. This task is especially important if your hose was exposed to the winter elements.
4. Venture Up to the Attic: You should inspect your attic at least once or twice a year and before summer hits is a good time to explore this space. You are looking for any signs of damage caused by winter weather or spring time storms. Leaks are your main concern because a little water damage can go a long way in the form of mold and mildew growth in your home. Additionally, leaks in your attic will eventually make their way down and come through your ceiling. First check out your attic when it is raining and see if you can see any signs of leaks. Then when the sun finally comes back out, head back up to your attic and turn off all the lights and see if you can see the light shining through anywhere it is not supposed to. While you are up in your attic be on the lookout for signs of pests or insects turning your home into theirs.
5. Explore Your Basement: After you are done inspecting your attic, head downstairs and check for signs of leaks, pests, insects or mold growth. Basements tend to be the darkest, dampest and coolest place in your house, making it the perfect home for mold and insects to invade. Also be on the lookout for cracks and other signs of damage in your basement walls and/or foundation.
6. Battery Tests: This is the perfect time to test the batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Remember safety first!
7. Make Sure Your AC Can Take the Pressure: Before the temperatures climb much higher, it is best to have one of our Heating and Cooling Experts inspect and tune-up your Air Conditioning equipment. The last thing you want to do on a hot summer day is to turn on your AC for some much needed relief, only to discover it does not work! Beat the rush and call 866-844-3770.
8. Dust Your Fans: Prevent dust from flying off of your fan blades and take a few moments to dust your ceiling fans.
9. Avoid a Shockin
g Surprise: Turn to one of our Certified Electricians to inspect your outdoor electrical outlets and light fixtures. Having your outlet electrical wiring inspected once a year is vital to your home’s safety. Wires can become frayed or damaged over time by the elements and wildlife.
10. Keep the Air Flowing: Clean and dust the air vents in your home. When vents become dirty and dusty, the air from your air conditioner cannot flow as easily, causing your cooling equipment to work harder, costing you more money on your power bill and shortening the life of your AC Unit. Plus, the dust on vents are blown into the air you breathe when you turn on your air conditioner.
11. Gutter Check: If you skipped cleaning your gutters during your spring cleaning, then it is time to grab a ladder and take care of this unpleasant task ASAP. Clogged gutters can cause a lot of expensive damage to your roof and foundation.
12. Get Your Ducts in a Row: Dirty air ducts lead to several serious issues to your home and health. When you turn on your heating or cooling equipment the air is pushed through your duct work and all of the dirt, dust, allergens, dander and other tiny particles are released into the air you and your family breathe; lowering the air quality in your home and leading to health issues and concerns. Additionally, dirty duct work will damage your AC and furnace equipment, leading to costly repairs and early replacements needed.
Have A Great Summer!
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Electricity is a valuable resource that is interwoven within just about every aspect of our daily lives. It is easy to take the electricity in our lives for granted. When we flip a switch, we just naturally assume that the lights will come on and work safely. Thanks to modern electrical advances and skilled Electricians, like ours, electricity is generally safe to use. However, electricity is still dangerous if not used properly or when electrical concerns go unaddressed. Be on the lookout for these all too common household electricity issues that could be dangerous for you or your family.
off by higher wattage light bulbs can melt through and/or scorch your fixture’s socket and wiring. This is a leading cause of electrical fires in residential homes. Keep in mind that using the wrong light bulb may not cause a fire right away, it typically takes time, but it is best to avoid that risk altogether and use the right wattage light bulbs.
me. GFCIs are designed to shut down an electrical current when there is moisture present or a circuit becomes overloaded. This protects you and your family from dangerous and possibly deadly shocks. Once the GFCIs shut down the current you are required to push a button next to the receptacle to get the current flowing again. GFCIs should always be used in locations where water maybe present, kitchens and bathrooms are particularly vulnerable. GFCIs are required in all new homes, but if you do live in an older home it is possible that you are missing GFCIs in key locations. You will want to upgrade to GFCIs to make your home safer.
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