Summer Maintenance Tips For Northeastern PA Homes

As the weather finally warms up and school lets out, we know summer is on its way. 

While most families have a spring cleaning routine, many do not have an established summer maintenance care routine. However, the warm weather is the perfect time to start thinking about home repair projects and getting that home inspection you've been putting off.

If you plan to sell your home in the next year, then a pre-listing inspection and some routine maintenance will pay dividends.

Regardless if you plan to buy or sell a home, here are nine summer maintenance tips that will benefit your home.

  1. Inspect your deck and/or Patio

Wood decks typically require painting or staining every few years to prolong their life. Likewise, if your patio is concrete, it is important to look for any areas that may need to be sealed. If your patio happens to be brick, look for missing pieces or damaged ones so that they may be replaced.

Summer is the perfect time to tidy up that deck and fix any exterior defects that raise alarm bells on that inspection report.

  1. Check your fence

Your fence may not be an area you check often, but it requires some upkeep. If your fence is chain-linked, it is important to look for any broken parts, especially if you have pets. This can also help keep your furry friends out of harm's way.

If your fence is made of wood, it is important to stain or paint it as often as you would a wood deck.

Vinyl fencing may require periodic tightening of the panels, especially if the ground around the posts has shifted. 

  1. Inspect the grading around your home

When doing this you want to ensure that the pitch of the ground around your home's foundation is sloping away from your home. This allows for water to be directed away from your home to lessen water damage. If you happen to notice any low areas, these can be fixed by adding top soil.

Ignoring your grading can lead to structural issues, including foundation cracks that invite moisture in.

  1. Check your gutters

If your gutters are clogged or damaged, this may lead to water issues inside your home.

First, you want to ensure that your gutters are not damaged and that they are all connected. Also, it is important to check your downspouts and make sure that they are taking water away from your home as far away as possible. To help with this, you can purchase inexpensive extensions.

Install leaf guards to prevent your gutters from clogging and winterize them to simplify cleanup, especially during the fall. 

  1. Perform some landscaping

Mowing the lawn is probably already part of your summer chores, but taking care of all of your landscaping needs is essential. Trim back hedges, eliminate standing water, and get rid of any rotting wood or garbage in your yard that can serve as a shelter for pests. 

  1. Inspect and clean siding

Power washing your siding is a great way to eliminate dirt and debris that can lead to mold and cosmetic defects. It will also help prevent ants and other pests from entering your walls.

As a final task, inspect your siding for any damage. Rust, splitting wood, or loose vinyl can be signs of a deeper problem that may require immediate repair. 

  1. Inspect indoor hoses and pipes

Water is the enemy of any homeowner. Be sure to inspect all pipes and hoses, including washer hookups, for any leaks that could lead to mold and foundation damage. 

  1. Eliminate pests wherever possible

Pest protection is a major concern for NEPA homeowners in the summer, especially as wood-destroying organisms like termites can wreak havoc on their homes. Keeping a clean home, landscaping, and cleaning up trash and debris will help limit the amount of 

  1. Monitor humidity

Likewise, you’ll need to monitor humidity in the summer, especially in attics and basements where warm air struggles to circulate. Look for ways to increase ventilation with fans and dehumidifiers. Unchecked humidity will lead to mold and damage to different areas of your home. 

We hope you found these four tips helpful as you prepare your home for summer. If you need help drafting a summer maintenance list, be sure to get an inspection performed to identify any serious issues that require immediate repair. 


Maintaining Your HVAC Filter

One of the most common HVAC issues we find on home inspections is poor maintenance as a result of a dirty or clogged filter. While a dirty filter won’t spell the end of your HVAC unit just yet, it will slowly rob it of its energy efficiency and eventually degrade its interior components. 

Fortunately, maintaining an HVAC filter is very easy and straightforward and only requires routine cleaning about once or twice a month. This guide will discuss the importance of maintaining your HVAC filter and how to clean it thoroughly. 

The Importance of HVAC Filter Maintenance

Maintaining your HVAC filter is incredibly important for several reasons. For one, it helps maintain indoor air quality. A clean filter also helps keep your family safe by reducing allergens and dust that circulate through the air. 

Cleaning your filter also allows you to save on energy costs. When filters are clogged with dirt, they have to work harder to maintain the same temperature, which will increase your energy bill each month. 

Lastly, regularly maintaining your filter allows you to maximize the system's life. A clogged filter, as we now know, causes the system to work overtime, which may cause it to overheat, resulting in leaks and electrical issues.

Now that we can see why maintaining your HVAC filter is important, the question is, how do we do this? 

Types of HVAC Filters

Before we discuss how to clean your filters, it is important to know that there are two types of HVAC filters:

1.) Disposable: These filters should be thrown away once they become clogged or dirty. They consist of a cardboard frame that is not designed to withstand spraying from a hose or continuous use. Disposable filters should be replaced at least every three months

2.) Permanent: Instead of cheap cardboard frames, most standard HVAC filters have fiberglass frames. They may cost more upfront, but in the long run, can save you money as these can be cleaned and then reused.

How to Clean Reusable HVAC Filters

To clean your permanent filter, first turn off the heating or air conditioner and then locate your HVAC unit's service panel. Once you have found this, open it to remove the filter. Clean the filter with running water, either from your sink or a garden hose. It is important to wait until your filter is completely dry before reinserting it back into your system.

Quick Tips for Maintaining Your HVAC Filter

  • Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and maintaining your HVAC filter. 
  • Use a special cleaner designed for your filter to prolong its life.
  • Set a reminder on your phone for every month to clean your HVAC filter when the system is in use. Make it part of your spring cleaning and summer maintenance routine.
  • Inspect filters for damage after each cleaning and replace filters when they become torn or have holes present.

By following these easy steps, you will be able to not only protect the health of your family, but also save on energy costs and lengthen the life of your HVAC system!