Home Maintenance Checklist – August 2015

When summer rays are shining, it is tempting to grab your book and relax in the hammock. But before you do, take some time during a cooler summer morning to take care of some miscellaneous chores around the house.

Keep Your Gutters Free from Debris

Inspect your gutters and remove any debris. Here in Lancaster County, flash thunderstorms are common, and your house can suffer from water damage as a result of debris and water accumulating in your gutters

Replace your Air Conditioner Filter

To keep clean air flowing throughout your home, the filter on your furnace/air conditioner should be check monthly and replaced every 1-3 months, depending on how dirty it is.

Clean Your Garage
August is a great time to organize your garage and get rid of the clutter and make room for the after-school sports equipment. Also keep in mind that during the summer, temperatures can rise to new highs every day. Heat-sensitive materials such as paints and solvents should be stored in a cool, dry place or, if no longer needed, disposed of properly.

Clean Bathroom Vents

When was the last time you cleaned your bathroom vent? If it’s been a year or more, chances are there is plenty of dust that’s collected there. Take the vent off and give it a good scrub.

Clean Ceiling Fan Blades

The ceiling fan is another dust collector. An easy trick to cleaning them (without dust-bunnies falling all over the place) is to use a pillow case. Insert the blade into the case, as you would a pillow and gently wipe down the blade – allowing the dust to collect on the inside of the pillow case.

Examine for Pests and Insects
Inspect your deck and other wooden areas for termites. For humid climates, like ours, watch for puddles around your yard and other standing water – which is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes (and the West Nile virus). Check your lawn for holes created by moles, chipmunks or other furry creatures. Finally, examine the eaves around your home for hornets’ nests. Depending on the type of insect or pest, you may want to consult a professional for extermination.