Five Ways to Prepare Your Home for Summer
Summer is one of our favorite times of year. Between backyard barbeques and warm nights, we’re ready for the season. Even if it did just turn to spring, summer should always be in the back of your mind. Especially when it comes to your home. This is why we’re sharing five ways to prepare your home for summer.
Tune-Up Your AC
Before anything else, the first thing you should do is schedule a routine AC tune-up. At Bell Brothers, we believe in performing twice yearly HVAC checks. One in the fall before furnace season and one in the spring before AC season. We want to make sure your air conditioner is ready before you need it.
During one of our tune-ups, a certified Bell Brothers HVAC technician will take apart your entire system, clean it, and look at every component. They will fix anything that needs repair and let you know if there are any safety issues that need to be addressed before the warm season to come.
Prepare All Windows and Screens
Small cracks in your window frames could lead to a lot of lost air. When your windows are not weather sealed, it creates a way for treated air to get out, and warm air to get in. These cracks can lead to discomfort in your home and a small spike in your energy bill.
Bugs and other critters can get in through small holes in the screen. It’s best to repair or replace the screens before summer. This is also a great time wash the inside and outside of your windows. If you want to let the summer sun in, make sure it’s streak and dust free.
Inspect Your Roof
Though winter isn’t too harsh in our service areas of Sacramento and the East Bay, it can still kick up a lot of wind and debris. Therefore, it’s best to check your roof before it gets too hot to do so. However, we stress safety. If getting onto your roof isn’t a problem, go up there and check it out. If you have trouble, please call a roofing company to check everything out for you.
If you can safely scale your roof, you’ll want to look for any tiles that are missing or loose. You’ll also want to check for any debris that cold be stuck up on your roof. Simply pull down the debris. If you can refasten roof tiles, great, do it. If not, time to call the trusty roofing company.
Clean out Your Gutters and Downspouts
It’s true our summers are universally dry. Because of this, you could be wondering, what’s the deal with the gutters and downspouts? What we’re worried about are bugs and other critters. Winter rains can leave dust, leaves, sticks, and other debris in your gutter or downspouts. This debris is an inviting home to a myriad of bugs and animals.
In Sacramento and the East Bay, you can expect to see things like mosquitos, cockroaches, and ants. But also, be on the lookout for black widows and gnats. Cleaning your gutters and downspouts will reduce the risk of these bugs creating a nest in your home.
Keep the Bugs Out
Speaking of bugs, there are other ways to keep summertime bugs at bay. When you inspect your windows for air leaks, keep an eye out for any cracks in your home where ants could get in. Caulk those cracks and make sure they’re sealed.
One of our favorite ways to keep summertime bugs away from the home is with fresh herbs. Plants like basil, mint, lavender, chives, and rosemary are a natural way to repel bugs and include some home grown goods into your cooking.
Bell Brothers Will Keep Your AC in Tip Top Shape
Stay cool all summer long with the HVAC experts at Bell Brothers. Our certified technicians will inspect every part of your home cooling system. We proudly provide service for our Sacramento, Stockton, Vacaville, and East Bay communities. Schedule your appointment by calling the number at the top of the screen or click here to request an appointment online.