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Summer Maintenance Items for Homeowners to Consider

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year, with lots of outdoor activities and entertaining on tap. In the midst of all that fun, it's important not to lose sight of essential home maintenance tasks that are necessary to keep your house in working order and ready for even more entertaining during the seasons and years ahead.

Some of the tasks that you should focus on before summer's end include:

• Change your air filter. Filters protect your home from pollutants and allergens, and should be changed frequently. The good news is that filters are inexpensive and easy to change.

• Inspect your roof. You should take a look at your roof twice a year to clear debris and find any missing and/or loose shingles. While doing so, take time to trim back branches that overhang the roof and ensure the gutter is clean.

• Drain your water heater. This annual task will help prevent sediment build up and can add years to the heater's lifespan.

• Clean your deck. Use a power washer to remove dirt and pollen from your deck. In addition, look for loose nails and screws, as well as rotting wood, replacing any boards that pose a safety risk.

SOURCE: Weichert Insights

Best Ways to Protect Your Home From Moisture During The Summer Months.

With the humidity of the summer months upon us, it's a good time to consider the best ways to protect your home from moisture. Excessive amounts of moisture inside a home could lead to mold, which can cause health problems and may be difficult to remove.

Take a few minutes to review the following tips to help protect your home from moisture this summer:

• Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees, the optimal setting to maximize energy efficiency and to control moisture. If you set it higher, the air conditioner won't run often enough to dehumidify your air. If you set it too low, surfaces will become cold enough to create condensation.

• Leave windows and doors closed while the air conditioner is on. Keeping them open could cause condensation, as the humid outside air is introduced into a much colder environment.

• If you have an older air conditioning unit, consider supplementing it with a dehumidifier. Together, they should be able to remove an adequate amount of moisture.

If you suspect you have a moisture problem, it is a good idea to invest in a humidity monitor that will help you get a read on any potential issues before they develop.

Source: Weichert Insights, News You Can Use!