The homeowner’s summer checklist

Key tips to remember

  • Schedule an HVAC inspection or perform your own inspection.
  • Make sure your doors and windows seal tightly.
  • Clean out the kitchen drain and garbage disposal.
  • Dust or vacuum refrigerator coils.
  • Check your backyard for rough surfaces and built-up grime.
  • Clean out gutters.

Summer — a time of celebration for the entire family. School is officially out, the evenings are getting warmer and beach reads are on our minds.

Avoid getting stuck fixing appliances in the heat or having to live without essential comforts. We’ve made a homeowner’s summer checklist to help set you up to make the most of the season.

1. Get ready to handle the heat.

Down view of someone's bare feet and legs in jeans

There’s no doubt that it’ll be a scorching summer. So be prepared to blast your A/C because the feeling of stepping into a cool room on a sweltering day is priceless.

Bulk up your HVAC system with an air conditioning inspection. Nobody wants a malfunction mid-heatwave. If you can prevent that, you’re ahead of the game. There are also a handful of ways you can conduct your own inspection. Learn from the experts on how to maintain comfort while conserving energy.

The goal here is to be prepared. A/C and energy use spike drastically in the summer, leading to power surges and unpredictable appliance behavior as a result. Make sure your system is running smoothly to minimize the risk of a breakdown.

Along with sealing your windows and doors tightly, conserve time, money and energy with Cinch’s protection plans. We cover your A/C system, ductwork, fans and many more essential home appliances. Stay protected against the season’s toughest obstacles with a Cinch plan, and prevent mishaps with regular maintenance.

2. Show your kitchen some love.

Running faucet into a a kitchen sink

The kitchen is a summertime command center. From prepping barbecues to watering plants to raiding the freezer, those appliances see a lot of action.

Start with the sink, which often moonlights as a drinking fountain, dog bath or water gun reloader. Make sure you’ve got a healthy drain and garbage disposal. Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to help dissolve any remaining winter scraps naturally. Grinding up citrus peels will also help eliminate odors and stubborn food particles. Start your summer off fresh.

Next, make sure your fridge is happy and healthy. It gives you food. Be nice to it. Seasonal maintenance is necessary to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. We suggest vacuuming out your fridge coils, which can be found on either the bottom or back of the appliance. Just make sure to unplug it first! The coils easily get clogged with pet hair, dust and dirt that get tracked indoors.

Take these precautions to protect your food supply and get meal-prepping for an unforgettable summer.

3. Prep your outdoor living spaces for entertaining.

Its_Lawn_Season

Spending time in the backyard after a rough winter feels like prancing on a hillside. As the sun beams down, your yard turns into your own personal oasis. No matter what your outdoor situation looks like — from gardening to sunbathing, your yard is a place of relaxation and spontaneity.

Dream up your perfect yard before the season so you won’t have to worry about it later. Start off by inspecting your deck. Repainting or staining it is a great summer project. Whatever your renovation visions are, begin by hammering or screwing down any nails that are sticking up and pressure-washing or sweeping off excess dirt. These processes will eliminate tripping hazards and prevent unwelcome bacteria from growing.

With summer heat come tropical-style storms. Yes, they’re enchanting, but the heavy rains can expel gutter debris into your yard. Cleaning out gutters is a simple process that when done frequently, prevents excess buildup.

Work our tips into your summer to-do list, and consider one of our home protection plans for added peace of mind. It can save you time and cover unexpected expensive repairs. Enjoy your summer by taking care of your home as well as it takes care of you.


The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
 

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