If you'll be spending a substantial amount of time in your home during the summer months, it's sensible to make sure that the property is prepped for this season. Here are two ways to do this.
Get your air conditioning system serviced
There are few things more distressing than discovering that your air conditioning system has stopped working in the middle of a heatwave. Trying to cope with stifling high temperatures without this equipment can be a nightmare.
As such, it's a good idea to hire an air conditioning service specialist to prep your system before the summer heat arrives.
During a typical servicing, this professional will replace or clean the air filters (these can become clogged up with dust, dirt and debris over time), remove grime from the condenser coils and check the condition of (and if, necessary, repair) all of the electrical wires within the system.
Additionally, with your permission, they may cut back any weeds or grass around the exterior condenser unit, as any blockages around this part of the system can lead to a build-up of heat inside your property.
Give your decking some TLC
If like most people you enjoy using your deck as a space in which to host summer barbecues and get-togethers, then it's worth spending some time sprucing up this area before the hot weather arrives.
If your decking is relatively new, then all you'll need to do is give it a thorough washing. To do this, you will need a stiff-bristled outdoor brush, a bucket filled with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild detergent, and either a garden hose or a pressure washer. Use the brush and the soapy water to loosen dirt and remove grime from the decking. Then, rinse off the suds with the hose or pressure washer.
If the decking is older and the wood has started to fade to an unattractive greyish colour, then it might be worth adding a fresh coat of wood stain. This is a time consuming but effective way to refresh your decking's appearance and provide a protective layer that will shield it from further moisture and sunlight-induced deterioration.
To do this, you will have to lightly sand the wood (either by hand, with several sheets of sandpaper or with an electric sander). Following this, you should add one or two coats of primer. After the primer has completely dried, you should then add several thin layers of your chosen wood stain (making sure to allow each layer to dry before adding the next).
