Summer is approaching really fast. In case you still haven’t prepared your house, we’re here to offer you some summer maintenance tips for your Orlando home. House maintenance is important, and you should care for your home year-round. However, each season has its quirks and might require specific tasks, and summer is no different. Let’s take a look at what you need to do around the house this summer.

Here are 7 summer maintenance tips for your Orlando home

1. Check and clean your HVAC system

You should regularly clean your ventilation and air conditioning. That being said, most people wait till the summer heat sets in before they turn on their AC and see if it’s still working. You really don’t want your cooling system to give out during the hottest days of the year. Calling a professional maintenance company might be a good idea, but there are a few things you can do yourself. Open up your air conditioner, and remove and wash the filters. It’s also generally recommended to turn on your AC for a few minutes once a month, even out of season. This will keep the system functioning and require you to refill the Freon less frequently. However, try to be mindful of the environment and don’t be wasteful whenever you can help it. It’s never too late to go green and start doing your part.

2. Examine smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

Florida summer fires aren’t something that you should take lightly. It’s very important that you stay safe and protect your loved ones and your home. For most people, their home represents their most valuable possession. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to protect your investment and know what your home is worth. You can do this by checking the batteries on the smoke detectors and making sure they are functional. Examine the fire extinguishers and look at their expiration date and the pressure gauge. After you are done, you should record the inspection date and remember when the next one is due.

3. Defrost the fridge

High temperatures that are common during the summer months can put an additional strain on your fridge. Unplug it and let it defrost overnight. Clear any ice and frost buildup, and make sure the coils are clean. Use this opportunity to wash the shelves and drawers of the fridge to get rid of any bacteria. While you are at it, you might want to give the entire kitchen a once-over. Summer heat is perfect for breeding bacteria, so get rid of any food leftovers that might have fallen behind kitchen cabinets.

4. Give the garden a makeover

Due to the rainy season and the initial warm weather brought on by the spring, your garden can easily look like a jungle by now. While doing summer maintenance for your Orlando home, it is essential not to neglect the outdoor section. Start by trimming the bushes and shrubs. Once you have tamed the lawn, you can start working on the patio. Imagine all those lazy summer afternoons sitting on the deck sipping ice tea. Those will be much nicer if you clean the furniture and replace the light bulbs. A fresh coat of paint will make your home look much nicer even to passersby on the street. Don’t underestimate the value of curb appeal. Investing a little into how your house looks from the outside can help when you want to sell your home. And you will get to enjoy a beautiful garden in the meantime.

5. Summer is a great time for a major house remodel

Summer comes with plenty of long days and warm weather. This is a perfect mix for any larger projects you’ve been keeping on hold. Besides just looking at some summer maintenance tips for your Orlando home, you could go all out and plan to remodel your home this summer. Try to focus on upgrades that have a good return on investment.

If you hire a contractor to do work on your home, you might want to move out while they’re working. If you are able to move your possessions out of the house, the workers will probably be done faster. Putting your items in storage is also a way to ensure they don’t get damaged, and you can even hire residential movers to transfer your possessions in no time. By scheduling a remodel in the summer, it will be easier for you to be out of the house. You could go on vacation or visit relatives, and the work can be done by the time you get back.

6. Pest control

Insects and rodents tend to be very active in the summer months. Check your home for any possible entryways and have them patched up. You can also schedule disinsection and rodent control services if you’ve had previous issues. If your home is free from any entryways, it will be impossible for pests to hide there when the cold weather sets in.

7. Clean the gutters and drains

The gutters in your home are bound to be a little clogged now that spring is over. Prepare for the autumn foliage by cleaning all of the gutters and drains. Make sure that the grates and storm covers are clean. If you neglect to clean them they can attract debris and retain water. This proves to be a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Do yourself a favor and handle the issue in time.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve found our 7 summer maintenance tips for your Orlando home informative and helpful. Summer has plenty of long sunny days that you could put to good use by fixing a few things around the house. It’s a lot easier to invest a little time and money into minor repairs every season rather than waiting for something to break down. If you regularly care for your Florida home, you will avoid any serious problems. And the best way to enjoy the summer is without worrying about what could go wrong with your home.