Summer is winding down—and that means it’s time to tackle some essential home and yard maintenance.
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the value and comfort of your home and lets you rest easy knowing your property is well-maintained and functioning smoothly. We’ve pulled together a checklist of home projects to focus on this month so you can kick back and enjoy the fall:
• Maintain Your HVAC System: Though these dog days of summer are still swelteringly hot, before you know it it will be time to switch off the AC and turn on your heating system. Get a head start by scheduling a professional tune up and inspection now. You should also replace or clean HVAC air filters for optimal efficiency and indoor air quality.
• Prepare Your Lawn and Garden for Fall: August is the ideal time to start prepping your lawn and garden for the cooler months ahead. Begin by mowing your lawn to a slightly lower height to prevent matting under fall leaves. You may also want to aerate the lawn to improve soil compaction and enhance nutrient absorption, and overseed bare patches. In beds and gardens, trim back overgrown plants and remove any dead or diseased foliage.
• Wash Windows: Are your windows looking a little bit, well, icky? Pick an overcast day to give them a good cleaning: we’ve got step-by-step directions on how to make the glass sparkle here. While you’re cleaning, check screens for rips or tears that could give bugs a way into your home. Small tears can be patched; if screens are beyond repair, you can use Frost King’s adjustable window screens to let breezes in and keep bugs and pollen out.
• Inspect and Clean Your Grill: If you’ve given the grill a workout this summer, it’s probably due for a thorough cleaning. Remove the grates and clean them with a grill brush and soapy water. Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as rust or loose parts, then clean the burners and ensure the propane tank or fuel supply line is in good condition.
• Organize Your Garage: If bikes, mowers, sports equipment, garden supplies, and other items have been moving in and out of your garage all summer long, spend a weekend organizing the garage to create more usable space. Start by decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer need, and use shelving, pegboards, and storage bins to keep tools and equipment organized. Put seasonal items, such as holiday decorations and winter gear, in a place where they’ll be easily accessible in the upcoming months. Check the garage door, too, to make sure it’s in good shape.
• Schedule a Chimney Cleaning and Inspection: You might be more focused on gathering around the backyard firepit than the fireplace this month, but if you’ve got a chimney or fireplace, now is the time to schedule a professional inspection and cleaning to remove creosote buildup and check for any structural issues. Have the chimney sweep check that the damper is functioning correctly, too, to prevent drafts and heat loss.
• Pest-Proof Your Home: When temperatures drop, pests may start seeking shelter in your home. Check for any signs of a current infestation, such as droppings, chewed wires, or nests, and seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and other entry points that could give rodents, bugs, and other creepy-crawlies a way in. If you notice a significant pest problem, consider hiring a professional pest control service.
• Inspect and Maintain Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting doesn’t just boost your curb appeal; it also enhances security and safety. Ensure that all pathways, driveways, and entrances are well-lit to prevent accidents and deter intruders. Inspect outdoor lights, replace any burnt-out bulbs (consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs) and clean the fixtures.
• Review Your Home Insurance Policy: There’s still one more maintenance task, and it may be the most important: review your home insurance policy. Make sure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings and update the policy if you’ve made improvements or additions to your property.
