August Home Maintenance Tips for your East Texas Home

August Home Maintenance Tips for your East Texas Home

August Home Maintenance Tips for your East Texas Home

I love summer (yes, even while complaining about how hot it is!). The endless sunshine, the extra pool time, the cookouts—it’s just fun! Unfortunately, we only have a few weeks of summer left until it’s “back to school” time again. However, the heat is here to stay for a bit (blame the weatherman). Keep your home in tiptop shape with these August home maintenance tips:

POW-POW POWER WASH –

Now is a good time to power wash your house, if needed. I’d recommend starting early in the morning or in the evening, if possible, just to avoid the prime heat of the day.       Every house needs a good bath once or twice a year!

STENCH, BE GONE –

Clean out the garbage disposal by slicing an orange or a lemon and running it through the disposal. This should kill any funky odors and leave a pleasantly clean scent. Citrus Scent wins over stagnant disposal funk any day!

FILTER CHANGE—

I’m sure you get tired of this one on the list, but it’s a monthly to-do, especially now that your AC is running 24/7. Just think—in 5 minutes, you’ll be finished! Changing out your air filter in your HVAC system will help your system run more efficiently, save you money and help cut down on pesky airborne allergens.

BRING IT INSIDE—

The triple digit days are a great time to start an indoor project that you’ve been putting off. Freshen up some paint, re-caulk the tub or de-clutter your kitchen cabinets.       I’m willing to bet you have a “honey-do” just waiting to be done. Avoid the sweltering heat and finish up one of those long awaited (ha!) indoor projects. There is no time like the present!

REWIND—

Be sure your ceiling fans are set to the “forward setting,” with the blades spinning counter-clockwise. This distributes the hot air upwards and the cool air downwards to get more cool air on you when it is this hot. This will help to cool you down when even the AC can’t keep up with the heat. Most fans have a toggle switch on the motor housing to alternate the blade direction. Check your manual or visit the manufacturer’s website if you are having trouble finding the toggle switch on your model of fan.
 
The Texas heat is hard on a house, so staying on top of the summer “honey-dos” are just as important as any other time of year. Get it done, but don’t forget the most important task of all—to have some fun!
 
Lisa E. Priest loves the smell of sunscreen and is a Texas REALTOR® with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com.