GUEST BLOG BY MIKE HOLMES

It looks like the warm weather is upon us, and soon that means enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. But before you think about relaxing, here are some top tips for enjoying your home in the summer.

1. Inspect Your Swimming Pool and Hot Tub

For homeowners who are lucky enough to have a swimming pool, a lap pool, or hot tub, make sure it is safe to use before the summer starts. Here is your checklist for swimming pools:

• Inspect for leaks
• Ensure the heaters and pumps are all working correctly
• Inspect the pool area and make sure there are no safety hazards
• Check the pools surrounding enclosure and gate to make sure they don’t need repair.
• Ground pools should have a safety cover to ensure that people or objects won’t sink should
• accidents arise when the pool is not in use.
• Once everything has been inspected and in good working order, do daily water chemistry checks to ensure proper pH levels.
• Raised pools should have the safety ladder locked when not in use to keep little ones away. 

RELATED: SWIMMING POOLS 101

2. Clean Your Central Air Conditioner

Before the temperatures start to heat up, make sure your air conditioner is working correctly well in advance. It’s essential to get your unit serviced every year at the beginning of the season. An AC service should include checking the refrigerant levels, compressor, fan, and controls, cleaning the grilles of debris, and replacing the filter.

This will prevent any issues happening in the middle of the summer when temperatures are typically high, and service technicians are in demand.

Also, make sure there is at least a two-foot clearance of foliage and shrubs around the unit. If you live in a cold climate, an AC cover is a good idea. It will protect your AC unit from the elements and keep the debris to a minimum.

RELATED: Cool Down Your Home Without An Air Conditioner

3. Clean your Ceiling Fans
   

Whether you have central AC or a couple of window units, a ceiling fan can help keep a room in your home cool by letting air flow. Remember though a ceiling fan won’t actually make your air cooler. It moves the hot and cooler air around – keeping the air moving.

After a long winter, give your ceiling fans a good clean and check they are in working order – that way, you won’t be showered in the dust on your first time using it since last year. Plus, you may not need to use the AC all the time, as a ceiling fan can lower the surrounding room temperature by 4 degrees.

A ceiling fan will help circulate the air, set to spin in a counter-clockwise motion; the air will blow in a downward motion, providing a cooling effect.

4. Clean All Your Air Vents and Replace Filters
   

Maintaining airflow is an essential part of a healthy home, but it’s also necessary to make sure all your vents and returns are free of dirt or any clutter. That includes vents obstructed by furniture, drapes, rugs, or boxes. Check each vent, and if you notice weak airflow, you may have an obstruction. If you have real concerns contact an HVAC professional.

It’s essential to replace the other air filters throughout your home including furnace filters, range hoods, over-the-range microwaves, and even a water dispenser or an ice maker in your refrigerator will have a filter that will require replacing or washing.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal performance and put reminders on your phone so you don’t forget. With so many smart devices and appliances out there, you may even be able to get notified when its time for a change on your phone.

The other vent that homeowners should not forget is the dryer vent. A plugged dryer vent will cause your dryer to run inefficiently and waste energy, but more importantly, it can also cause a house fire. A dryer duct can get blocked by excess lint, dust, and even bugs and mice.

If your clothes are taking a little longer to dry and odors, it could be a sign that your vent is plugged. Use a vacuum to suck the debris from the ducts or use a cleaning kit. As required by law in most areas, the ventilation hose should be a rigid metal in order to decrease the build-up of lint. 

Summer is almost here. Consider these tips to help you enjoy every moment.

About Wastell Homes and Holmes Approved Homes:

Wastell Homes is a Mike Holmes Approved builder. Being part of the Holmes Approved Homes program, means each home built by Wastell Homes is inspected by Mike Holmes Inspections. The result is a better built home and PEACE OF MIND.