The lazy hazy days of summer are upon us, so use the longer daylight hours to tackle a “to do” list that will keep home systems humming and save energy.
Start by checking your home’s safety devices. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, replace batteries as needed, or change out to one of the new models that come with a 10 year battery life.
Summer is a great time to work on your home’s energy efficiency to keep heat out and utility bills low. Begin by checking windows and doors for air leaks. Add or replace cracked weather-stripping or window caulking if you feel air leaking through.
Check window screens and screen doors for small holes and tears, and use a screen patching kit from the hardware store to make repairs, or rescreen if necessary, to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Schedule HVAC maintenance to make sure your air conditioning unit is ready to handle the summer heat and operating at peak efficiency. Change your furnace filters and vacuum out all floor and ceiling registers.
The AC condenser that sits outside requires plenty of air circulation to work efficiently, so trim back new spring growth and any shrubs away from the unit. Make sure there is at least 18” of space around the sides, and three feet or more above the unit.
Unplug your refrigerator and use your vacuum’s crevice tool or a coil cleaning brush attachment to vacuum dirty coils that make your fridge work harder to keep cool.
Prepare for the dry summer ahead by checking irrigation systems for broken or clogged sprinkler heads. If you didn’t get around to mulching beds this spring, do it now. Spread a 2- to 3- inch layer of bark or mulch over all garden beds.
To prevent root rot, keep mulch away from the crown of plants, pulling it back into a mini moat around larger shrubs and trees.
Cut back dry grass and brush from hillsides and open spaces surrounding your property. Remove any dead shrubs to replace in the Fall.
Find creative ways to make outdoor spaces comfortable with protection from the hot summer sun by adding a shade sail or canvas patio cover.
Acanopy is a great addition to any back yard without a covered patio, creating an intimate space where guests will want to sit, sip and chat this summer.
Adriana Donofrio deasypennerpodley Glendora (626) 926-9700 adonofrio@dppre.com
