![\"SummerHomeMaintenace1\"](\"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/SummerHomeMaintenace1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n With summer in full swing, now is a great time to take advantage of the warmer weather and ensure your home is in optimal shape. A little TLC goes a long way to prevent future maintenance problems, so you can enjoy that well-deserved vacation or chill margarita by the beach without worrying about the state of your home.<\/p>\n \u201cSummer is a great time for home maintenance,\u201d says Jordan Spear, Toronto 2019 Fall Home Show\u2019s<\/a> DIY Expert. \u201cThe ground has dried out from all the snow melt and thaw, the rains of spring generally have subsided, and the temperature is enjoyable to get this done!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSafety also plays a part,\u201d adds Shawn Monteith, Canada\u2019s Handyman<\/a>. \u201cTo repair weather stripping on a second floor window, I would rather place a ladder on dry, sound ground than icy, slippery or frozen ground.\u201d<\/p>\n To help keep your abode in tip-top shape, we turned to these two professional handymen and home improvement experts for a checklist of 13 summer home maintenance tasks that you should tackle this season.<\/p>\n Photo: Ivy Dawned \/ Flickr<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The heating and air-conditioning system in your home works by intaking air from a room, which is then heated or cooled by coils and gets blown back into your home through the floor vents. Inside, your furnace\u2019s air filter acts as the lungs of the system by preventing dust, pollen and other airborne particles from entering and getting blown back into other rooms. With such an important role in keeping your house and its occupants healthy, it\u2019s vital that homeowners replace the filter on a regular basis.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce you\u2019ve replaced the air filter in your furnace, take some time to change the other filters found throughout your home,\u201d says Monteith. \u201cEverything from A\/C units to dishwashers, range hoods and hot tubs. Even the filter on a tap may need cleaning if your water flow is acting up.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Karin Bennett<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n In keeping with maintaining proper air flow throughout your home, it\u2019s important to make sure all air vents and returns (ducts that suck air into the HVAC system) are clear of any clutter.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure your vents are not obstructed by furniture, drapes or rugs,\u201d says Spear. \u201cWith the A\/C running, check each vent in the home for air flow. If you notice any vents that are not blowing enough air, they may have an obstruction in them.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: Rebecca Siegel \/ Flickr<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n We\u2019ve all experienced the effect of high humidity on our skin and hair, but did you know that humidity and moisture levels also affect the health of your home? Excess moisture and humidity can lead to mold growth, hardwood floor damage, and attract creepy crawlers like roaches, spiders and silverfish.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring humid summer months, wooden items including hardwood floors expand as they absorb air moisture \u2014 It\u2019s the nature of wood,\u201d explains Spear. \u201cIf hardwood floors (even laminate) are not properly gapped along the walls, warping can occur.\u201d<\/p>\n To accurately monitor your home\u2019s humidity level, use a device called a hygrometer, which measures moisture in the air. It\u2019s expressed as the relative humidity, or the percentage of water vapour in the air compared to the amount needed for saturation (100 percent humidity).<\/p>\n \u201cHigher humidity is often observed in the basement, so monitor this area for relative humidity levels and keep it below 60 percent,\u201d says Spear.<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n Newer HVAC systems often have a built-in, flow-through humidifier. These systems add humidity back into your indoor air and are often used in the winter to reduce static electricity, and prevent dry air from affecting your sinuses and causing chapped or cracked lips. However, leaving it on in the summer will cause your central air conditioner to work harder, creating more wear and tear on the system leading to higher energy bills.<\/p>\n \u201cTurn off your humidifier or switch it to summer mode and consider installing a dehumidifier if humidity levels are high,\u201d says Spear. \u201cIf you already have a dehumidifier, check and clean or replace the filters to ensure they are in good operating condition.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n HRVs bring in fresh air from the outdoors and exhaust stale air from the inside of your home. For the HRV to work effectively, you only want to run it when the outside air contains less moisture than the air inside \u2014 which is usually only the case during the winter months.<\/p>\n \u201cEssentially, once the furnace\u2019s heat setting is turned off for the season, so should the HRV,\u201d says Spear. \u201cHRVs could be used if the inside ambient air moisture is higher than the humidity outside, but generally it\u2019s best to let your A\/C unit remove relative humidity from inside air through its condensate pipe.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n A broken or inefficient air conditioning system can be costly, so before the summer heat waves hit, be sure to have the system inspected for any necessary repairs.<\/p>\n \u201cProper consistent maintenance pays off in the long run,\u201d says Monteith. \u201cThis includes cleaning the coils in the A\/C unit, checking the fins for damage and making sure the unit is level.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf the unit is full of debris, you can remove the fan cover and clean the interior of the unit,\u201d adds Spear. \u201cBut make sure to switch off the thermostat and A\/C breaker first before attempting this!\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n For a more comfortable home and lower energy bills, set your thermostat at a constant temperature and increase it at night when everyone is asleep or during the day when no one\u2019s around. Having a programmable or smart thermostat makes this even easier since homeowners can set the temperature for different times of the day, or while they\u2019re away on summer vacation.<\/p>\n \u201cThe number one way to save on energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat,\u201d says Spear. \u201cYou can set a schedule for when you want the system to turn on or off, and many digital thermostats can even be remotely controlled from your smartphone.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Lisa Canning<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If it\u2019s not too warm out, you can save a few dollars on your cooling costs by switching on your ceiling fans instead of your A\/C unit. However, on those unbearably hot days, you can still save on energy costs by using your ceiling fans in tandem with an efficient air conditioner.<\/p>\n \u201cTurn on your ceiling fans to allow the cool air to circulate,\u201d says Spear. \u201cThe direction of the blades should be counter-clockwise so that you feel the air blowing down.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n Modern homes and condominiums often \u201cboast\u201d large picture windows or floor-to-ceiling glass doors. And while they do allow for plenty of natural light, they can also make your home feel like an oven \u2014 especially those with south- and west-facing windows. Leaving doors open can also help improve air circulation \u2014 so keep those bedroom doors open whenever possible.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the summertime, make sure blinds and curtains are closed during the day to prevent the sun from warming interior surfaces,\u201d says Spear. \u201cAvoid opening windows on humid days to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating inside your home.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n Proper ventilation is important inside and outside of your home. With warmer weather on your side, take some time to do a walkaround of the exterior of your home to confirm that roof louvres, vents and soffits are not blocked by leaves, branches or nests.<\/p>\n \u201cTrim back plants and vegetation to ensure they are not blocking exhaust vents or air intakes and check that window wells are cleared of any debris to allow for proper drainage,\u201d suggests Spear. \u201cGutters and downspouts should also be cleared of any clogs and make sure that downspouts are properly placed to direct water away from the property.\u201d<\/p>\n Exterior maintenance items involving paints, stains and caulking are best addressed in the summer as these materials adhere better in the dry, warmer months than in the cold and wet seasons. Exterior caulking around windows and doors protect against water, moisture and mold, and helps keep insects out. When the material degrades over time, it can break open, allowing for moisture to penetrate the structure of your home, which can lead to expensive repairs and mold damage.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen doing a walkaround, have a pencil and paper, look at all the areas and make a note of any red flags like loose or pop-up nails, insects entering the house or cracked caulking,\u201d says Monteith. \u201cLook for deteriorating caulking that needs replacement and remember to always cut and remove old caulking before applying new material.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n Asphalt driveways require regular maintenance throughout their lifespan and are particularly susceptible to cracks due to the expansion and contraction of water with freezing and thawing temperatures. Fortunately, fixing a crack is a relatively easy DIY project and can be done using materials and tools readily available in your garage or at a local hardware store. Driveway sealing is also an easy and cost effective way to prolong the life of your driveway and should be completed every few years.<\/p>\n \u201cRepaving your driveway is something best left to the professionals since they have the proper equipment and expertise,\u201d says Monteith. \u201cHowever, homeowners with an asphalt driveway can seal it themselves every few years \u2014 just be sure to check the forecast for any extreme weather.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales, design by Kate + Co. Design Inc.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Decks and porches get a lot of wear and tear from both weather and foot traffic throughout the year. The harsh winter months can cause finish issues, while the wet springtime can cause or accelerate rot. Make sure your home is ready to handle summer get-togethers and barbecues by inspecting for any cracks, damage or rot.<\/p>\n \u201cYour deck\u2019s footings may need to be replaced if it has heaved or sunk during the winter months, leaving you with a wonky, unlevel deck,\u201d says Spear. \u201cLook at the structure of the deck including the beams and joists for rotting or cracking. If the deck is attached to the home, ensure the ledger board is firmly attached and not pulling away from the house. Check all joists for joist hangers \u2014 if they were never installed, they can be easily retrofitted, creating a stronger connection.\u201d<\/p>\n Decking surfaces generally take the most abuse from the elements and foot traffic, but the level of maintenance required depends on the material used.<\/p>\n \u201cA composite material deck may only need a spray with a power washer every once in a while, whereas a cedar deck may need a good power wash spray and to be resealed every couple of years,\u201d explains Monteith. \u201cLearn how to use your power washer properly to avoid creating more damage than you started with!\u201d<\/p>\n Photo by Etienne Girardet<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Another area of your home that will likely see a lot of use during the summer is your swimming pool. But before sending out invitations to your summer pool party, make sure that your pool is safe to use, inspected for leaks, and that heaters and pumps are operating normally.<\/p>\n \u201cInadequately protected or guarded pools are a safety hazard, so make sure that gates are locked when not in use and consider installing a safety cover, which will prevent people from sinking into the pool should they fall off the pool deck,\u201d says Spear. \u201cYou should also be checking your pool water chemistry daily or during times of heavy use for proper pH levels. If you are unsure about how to operate a pool, consider an online course to familiarize yourself with the operation and chemistry of a pool.\u201d<\/p>\n1. Replace the air filters throughout your home<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Ensure all air vents are clean and uncluttered<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Monitor your home\u2019s humidity levels with a hygrometer<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Switch off your humidifier and use a dehumidifier instead<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Switch off your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n6. Ensure your air conditioning unit is properly maintained<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n7. Use a programmable thermostat to save on energy bills<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n8. Use your ceiling fans to save on cooling cost<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n9. Keep your windows closed, blinds shut and interior doors open<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n10. Check exterior vents, window wells and caulking for any blockages or cracks<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n11. Reseal your driveway<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n12. Inspect your decks and porches for any damage<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n13. Have your swimming pool inspected for leaks and operational efficiency<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n