By the middle of July, summer has officially settled into North Texas.
The National Weather Service forecast for Rockwall county and surrounding areas on July 13 included temperatures in the mid-90s and a heat index approaching 100 degrees. That kind of heat does more than make an afternoon outside uncomfortable—it also places extra strain on your air-conditioning system, landscaping, irrigation equipment and other parts of your home.
A little preventive maintenance now can help homeowners avoid expensive surprises later. Here are seven practical tasks to add to your mid-summer home-maintenance list.
1. Give Your Air Conditioner Some Attention
Your air conditioner is likely working harder now than at any other point during the year. Start with a few basic checks:
Inspect the air filter and replace it if it is dirty.
Make sure interior air-return vents are not blocked by furniture, rugs or curtains.
Remove grass, leaves and other debris from around the exterior condenser.
Check around the indoor HVAC equipment for moisture or signs of a clogged condensate drain.
Listen for unusual sounds and pay attention to rooms that are no longer cooling evenly.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that air leakage through ductwork can waste a meaningful amount of conditioned air. If certain rooms remain warmer than others or the system seems to run constantly, a professional HVAC inspection may be worthwhile.
It is usually better to address a small problem while the system is still operating than to wait until it stops working during a triple-digit afternoon.
2. Use Ceiling Fans Correctly
Ceiling fans can make a room feel more comfortable, but they cool people—not the actual room. Turn them off when the room is unoccupied.
During the summer, most ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise when viewed from below. This pushes air downward and creates a cooling effect.
According to the Department of Energy, using a ceiling fan may allow you to raise the thermostat setting by approximately four degrees without reducing comfort.
Check the direction of each fan, dust the blades and tighten any loose hardware while you are there.
3. Inspect the Attic and Ceilings for Moisture
You do not need to spend a long time in a hot attic, but a quick visual inspection can reveal problems before they become major repairs.
Look for:
Water stains on rafters or roof decking
Damp insulation
Rusted or overflowing HVAC drain pans
Disconnected ducts
Daylight coming through unexpected areas
Evidence of pests
Staining or discoloration around bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents
Inside the home, inspect ceilings near HVAC equipment, plumbing fixtures and roof penetrations. A small stain can be an early warning of a roof, plumbing or condensation problem.
Avoid entering an attic during the hottest part of the day, and do not step anywhere except properly supported attic decking or ceiling joists.
4. Check Your Irrigation System for Waste
A sprinkler head spraying the driveway may seem like a minor issue, but over the course of a summer it can waste a considerable amount of water.
Run each irrigation zone briefly and watch for:
Broken or missing sprinkler heads
Water spraying onto sidewalks, fences or the street
Areas receiving too much or too little water
Pooling water
Leaking valves
Heads blocked by overgrown grass or plants
Texas A&M AgriLife’s WaterMyYard program provides customized weekly watering recommendations using rainfall and weather data. It was developed in cooperation with cities, utilities and water districts, including participation connected to the North Texas Municipal Water District.
Homeowners should also check the current watering schedule or restrictions issued by their city, utility provider or water district before changing irrigation settings.
5. Walk the Exterior of Your Home
Take ten minutes to walk slowly around the house and look for anything that has changed.
Pay particular attention to:
Gaps around windows and exterior doors
Cracked or deteriorating caulk
Loose siding or trim
Damaged screens
Peeling exterior paint
Soft or damaged wood
Soil, mulch or landscaping piled too high against the house
Areas where water collects near the structure
Gutters or downspouts that are loose or disconnected
Downspouts should direct water away from the home rather than releasing it beside the structure. Also check that exterior air-conditioning equipment, dryer vents and other mechanical openings have adequate clearance.
Document cracks or other areas of concern with dated photographs so you can determine whether they are changing over time.
6. Reduce Unnecessary Heat Inside the House
Windows can allow a significant amount of summer heat into a home, especially on the west and south sides.
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the afternoon. Check weatherstripping around frequently used exterior doors and look for areas where daylight is visible around the frame.
Other simple ways to reduce indoor heat include:
Using heat-producing appliances during cooler parts of the day
Running full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine
Using bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when needed
Switching off lights and electronics that are not being used
Checking that fireplace dampers are fully closed when appropriate
Programmable and smart thermostats can also help manage temperature changes based on when the home is occupied. The Department of Energy reports that properly adjusting thermostat settings for extended periods can reduce annual heating and cooling costs.
7. Review Your Storm-Readiness Supplies
North Texas summers can bring intense heat, high winds, lightning and sudden thunderstorms.
Make sure you know where the following items are located:
Flashlights
Fresh batteries
Portable phone chargers
Basic first-aid supplies
Your main water shutoff
Your electrical panel
Your homeowners-insurance information
Contact information for trusted repair professionals
Check tree limbs near the roof, driveway and power lines. Work involving large limbs, electrical lines or significant heights should be handled by a qualified professional.
It is also smart to photograph the exterior and major rooms of your home periodically. Updated photographs can help document your home’s condition and personal property should an insurance claim ever become necessary.
A Small Investment of Time Can Prevent a Bigger Repair
Home maintenance does not always require an expensive renovation or a full weekend of work. Many of the most valuable tasks are simple inspections that help you catch a problem early.
Choose one or two items from this list each evening or complete the checklist over a weekend. Your air conditioner, landscaping and household budget may all benefit.
Are you considering buying or selling a home in Rockwall, Collin or Hunt County? JDI Realty Group is here to help you understand not only the transaction, but also the practical responsibilities that come with owning a home in North Texas.
Contact JDI Realty Group when you are ready to discuss your next move.