Maintaining your LifeStyle home during the summer months involves addressing the unique climate challenges—including high humidity, intense heat, and the potential for hurricanes—on Florida’s East Coast.
When planning ahead to make sure your home stays in great shape during the summer, here are some essential tips to consider.
- Air-Conditioning System Maintenance
- Regular servicing. Schedule a professional HVAC service at the start of summer to ensure your system is running efficiently.
- Replace Filters. Change air filters every 1-2 months to maintain good airflow and air quality.
- Check thermostat settings. Ensure your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, and take advantage of your LifeStyle home’s smart thermostat settings to save energy.
- Humidity Control
- Ventilation. Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms by using your home’s exhaust fans.
- Inspect window and door seals. Check for any gaps or leaks that could let in humid air and seal them properly.
- Roof and Gutters
- Inspect the roof after storms. Look for missing or damaged shingles, tiles, or flashing and repair them promptly to prevent leaks.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.
- Trim overhanging branches. Cut back any tree branches that hang over the roof to prevent damage during storms.
- Hurricane Preparedness
- Check storm shutters. Ensure storm shutters are in good condition and can be quickly deployed if a hurricane approaches.
- Secure outdoor furniture. Put a plan in place to anchor or store outdoor furniture and other loose items to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds.
- Emergency kit. Put together an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
- Pest Control
- Inspect for pests. Regularly check for signs of pests like termites, ants, and rodents, and address any infestations immediately.
- Landscaping maintenance. Keep bushes and trees trimmed and away from the house to reduce pest habitats.
- Swimming Pool Maintenance
- Regular cleaning. Skim debris, vacuum the pool, and brush the walls to keep the pool clean.
- Chemical balance. Test and adjust the pool’s chemical levels regularly to ensure safe and clean water.
- Inspect equipment. Check the pool pump, filter, and other equipment for proper operation and repair or replace as needed.
- Landscaping
- Mulch beds. Apply mulch to flower beds and around trees to retain moisture and control weeds.
- Inspect irrigation system. Check for leaks or clogs in your irrigation system and repair them to ensure proper watering.
- Exterior Maintenance
- Pressure wash. Clean the exterior of your home, including siding, walkways, and driveways, to remove dirt, mold, and mildew.
- Check paint and sealant. Inspect and touch up paint and sealant on the exterior of your home to protect against the elements.
- Window and door maintenance. Clean and inspect windows and doors, and replace any damaged screens if applicable.
- Interior Maintenance
- Test smoke and CO detectors. Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning and replace batteries as needed.
- Clean fans and vents. Dust and clean ceiling fans and air vents to improve air circulation and reduce allergens.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your LifeStyle home in excellent condition throughout the summer, ensuring it remains a comfortable and safe retreat. And of course, if you need any help or advice on maintaining your home, or want to know more about building with us, give us a call at (321) 727-8188.