How to Prepare Your Home for Summer
There’s nothing better than a long, warm Southern California summer. We’re already gearing up for warm summer nights even though the actual season is a few months off. You should also be getting your home ready for summer. Southern California summers can do a number to your home and garden, here are some great ways to prepare your home for summer.
Prepare Your Windows and Screens
It’s easy to lose a good amount of your treated air through small cracks in your windows. These cracks will let the heat in (or let cool air out) and drive up your utility bill. One of the best ways to prepare your home for summer is to inspect the outside of your windows. Look for small cracks that can be filled. We’ve talked about fixing these before, click here to read more. This is also a great time to check your screens. Look for any holes or damage. Summer is a season for open windows and functional screens keep bugs out.
You’ll also want to check your windows from the inside. Open and close them a few times to make sure all parts are in good working order. Also, don’t forget to give the windows a good cleaning. You’ll want a streak-free view of summer.
Inspect Your Roof
Checking your roof is very important after the winter. Southern California winters are mild. However, they shouldn’t be dismissed. Check your roof before it gets too hot to be up there. First and foremost, make sure you feel safe scaling your roof. Call a roofing company to take a look if you are unable to do so.
Keep an eye out for any loose or missing tiles when you’re either on your roof or conducting a visual inspection from a ladder. Any holes or obvious spaces are things you’ll want to have fixed as soon as possible.
Clean out the Gutters
The rainy season down here may be short, but it sure is windy. That wind can knock lots of branches, leaves and other debris loose. Oftentimes, this mess can find its way into your gutters and downspouts.
It’s important to clean out your gutters and downspouts before the start of summer because clumps of wayward leaves and debris can be a very appealing home for bugs and other critters. Mice, squirrels, and rats can get into your attic and chew holes in your ductwork. Bugs like termites, mosquitoes, and even roaches can make a home in your gutter. Both these reasons are why you should clean your gutters before summer hits.
Keep the Bugs Out
Your gutters aren’t the only way bugs can get into your home during the summer. The three most common insects to come out during the SoCal summer are bees, wasps, ants, and mosquitoes.
One of the best ways you can prepare your home for summer is to conduct a visual inspection around the perimeter of your home. Look for any cracks or holes where bugs can get it and seal it. Also check for any areas that collect standing water. Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water.
Another thing you can do is landscape with plants that repel bugs. Herbs like rosemary and lavender can keep bugs away from your home. They also smell great and can add some homegrown flair to your cooking.
Tune-Up Your AC
It gets so hot in parts of Southern California that a working AC system is essential to daily life. One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for summer is to schedule an AC tune-up. Regular maintenance is essential for your HVAC system and home comfort levels.
During an AC tune-up, our certified technicians will disassemble every part of your outdoor condenser and give it a professional cleaning. They will also conduct maintenance checks on every part of your system, ensuring a summer full of cool air and reliable HVAC.
One of the best ways to always be prepared for tune-ups is to join our CHAMP-Rewards program. Our club service representatives will call you when it’s time for a tune-up, not the other way around. It takes the guesswork out of scheduling, and you can save a little money as well.
Prepare Your Home Ready for Summer with Service Champions
Make sure your home stays cool all summer long with Service Champions! We offer our unparalleled AC tune-ups to clients in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Meeting your HVAC expert is as simple as dialing the number at the top of the screen. Or click here to request an appointment online.