Summer Home Care: What Edmonton Homeowners Often Overlook
Summer is the best time to do home repairs that will keep you from having to deal with expensive problems in the winter. The warm, dry weather in Edmonton makes it easy to do AC repairs, paint the outside of your house, fix the drainage around your foundation, and improve the ventilation in your attic. Taking action now will keep your home safe all year and save you money on repairs later.
Why It's Important to Keep Up with Summer Maintenance
Most homeowners in Edmonton spend the summer having fun instead of taking care of their homes. But the mild weather of summer makes it possible to do maintenance tasks that are hard or impossible to do at other times of the year. Taking care of these areas that have been ignored today can save you money in the long run.
Important Things
- Taking care of your air conditioning system: Get a professional to service it before the first heat wave. Every month, clean or change the filters and make sure there is no debris around the outdoor units. A system that is well-maintained works well and costs less to run.
- Insulation and ventilation in the attic: If your attic doesn't get enough air, the temperature can rise above 60°C, which can hurt your roof and insulation. Make sure that vents aren't obstructed and that there is enough insulation. Working in the attic in the summer is better than working in the winter.
- Painting and sealing the outside: Paint and sealants work best when the weather is warm and dry. Check your house for paint that is flaking, siding that is broken, or cracks in the caulking. Before the rain comes in the fall, make sure to waterproof your deck and fence.
- Foundation Drainage: Make sure the ground in your yard slopes away from your foundation so that water doesn't collect. Make sure that the downspouts send water at least six feet away from your house. Good drainage keeps the basement from flooding and saves you money on foundation repairs.
Important Systems to Check
In addition to the big seasonal activities, a few important systems need to be looked at in the summer to keep them from breaking down. When these areas are ignored, they generally lead to the most expensive emergency repairs.
Taking Care of Windows and Doors
Make sure to clean the windows well and check the frames for decay or damage. Check the weatherstripping and replace any seals that are worn out now, before fall. This keeps bugs out and stops heat from escaping in the summer.
Checks of the Plumbing System
Check for leaks in exterior hoses, faucets, and sprinkler systems. Look under sinks for slow leaks that waste water. Check your sump pump before summer storms make it work when you don't expect it to.
Cleaning the Dryer Vent
When dryer vents get clogged, they waste electricity and are very dangerous. Make sure to clean the vents well from both the inside and the exterior. This little task lowers the risk of fire and makes appliances last longer.
Safety for Garage Doors
Check the safety features of your garage door and oil the rollers and hinges. Look at the weatherstripping at the bottom to see if it is broken. Proper care keeps things running smoothly and protects them from the weather.
Landscaping and Getting Rid of Pests
Cut back trees and bushes that are at least two feet from your home and air conditioner. Branches that contact your house make it easier for pests to get in and damage siding. Proper clearance lets air move better and eliminates problems with moisture.
Professional vs. DIY Maintenance
Things to Do Yourself in the Summer
- Things You Can Do to Keep Your Home in Good Shape: Homeowners can change filters, clean up, and look around. You don't need many tools to do these things, and they just take a few hours. Doing regular maintenance on your own protects tiny problems from turning into big ones.
- Saving Time and Money: Simple things you can do to prevent breakdowns cost little yet save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Cleaning gutters, checking caulking, and testing systems can help you avoid having to call for help. Regular DIY work can add a lot of years to the life of your property.
Services for Professionals
- Complex System Work: You need a specialist to do things like check the roof, fix the AC, and check the electrical system. Certified experts find faults that homeowners might miss and make sure the repair follows code. Warranties and the right tools are part of professional maintenance.
- Long-Term Value: Professional inspections keep track of the state of your home and stop big problems from happening. Experts get the job done safely and quickly in less time. Annual expert maintenance preserves your investment in your house and gives you peace of mind.
Investing in Maintenance vs. Fixing Things in an Emergency
Regular Maintenance
Annual Cost: $500–$800
Scheduled maintenance, filter changes, and other repairs keep systems working well. Small yearly investments save things from breaking down unexpectedly. Homeowners are in charge of the timeframe and the budget.
Neglected Systems
Emergency Repair Costs: $3,000–$10,000
When the weather becomes hot, air conditioners that haven't been taken care of break down and need to be replaced right away. Poor drainage can impair the structure of a building by affecting its foundation. Emergency repairs often seem to happen at the worst times and cost a lot.
Energy Efficiency: Systems That Are Kept Up vs. Those That Are Not
Benefits of Preventive Care
Filters that are clean, windows that are sealed, and systems that are well-maintained all work at their best. Lowering energy use lowers your monthly electric expenditures. Homes are pleasant all year long when they are properly insulated.
Neglecting Consequences
When filters are dirty, systems have to work harder and use more electricity. Bad insulation and air leaks waste heating and cooling energy. Inefficient equipment makes running costs much more expensive.
What Will Happen If I Don't Do Maintenance?
Not doing maintenance can lead to:
- AC system breaking down during the hottest days when repair services are busy and replacement costs go up
- Cracks in the foundation that let water in because of bad drainage, which can damage the structure and flood the basement
- Damage to the roof from not enough ventilation in the attic, which causes shingles to break down and water to get inside
- Pests can get into your home through unprotected crevices around windows, doors, and the foundation
- Fire concerns from dryer vents that get blocked with lint and don't let air move freely
- Higher energy bills because inefficient systems have to work more to keep the temperature comfortable
Small problems that are disregarded in the summer turn into costly emergencies in the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan to have your air conditioner serviced in early June, before the heat waves hit. Scheduling early makes sure that things are available and stops them from breaking down when demand is highest.
At least once a year, ideally in the summer, clean the dryer vents. People who use their dryers a lot should clean their vents every six months.
Yes, but be careful with heat and move about carefully in the attic. Make sure there is enough airflow, insulation, and no signs of moisture or bug damage.
Make sure that water is directed at least six feet away from your foundation. Longer extensions are beneficial for properties that don't drain well on their own.
Look for cracks that are more than 1/4 inch wide, water stains, or soil that is moving. If you have big cracks or are having trouble with moisture that won't go away, you should have a professional look at them.
Depending on how much wear and tear and how much time they spend outside, seal decks every two to three years. The dry weather in the summer makes sure that the sealant cures properly and offers the best protection.
Professional maintenance costs between $200 and $400 a year, but it stops issues that could cost thousands. Experts find problems early and make equipment last a lot longer.
Plan Your Summer Upkeep
Don't let summer go by without making your home safe. SCR Pro Solutions provides Edmonton homeowners with full maintenance services that are tailored to their needs. Make an appointment for your summer maintenance today and enjoy the sun all season long without worrying.
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