Have you done a Summer home maintenance check?

Doing a home maintenance check prior to winter seems to be a fairly easy thing to remember so we don't get caught unawares, a.k.a shivering in your home on a very cold night as you quickly realize that your furnace has decided to pick the most opportune time to "take a little break" and break down. But sometimes doing a summer maintenance check can get overlooked. Truth be told, it is a great idea to do a safety check in the warm months as well! Here are some tips from NewHomeGuide.com to help your home perform in tip top shape over the summer:

• Heating and cooling: It is a great idea to change the filter in your heating/cooling system, and get the heater serviced. In the summer, you can rest assured that there is less demand, which means shorter waits and possibly lower rates.
• Check those ducts: If there is a chance of dampness in your ducts, it would be a good idea to get them cleaned and checked for mold. Warm-weather moisture and moisture from your air conditioner may help mold grow, which isn't so great for your family's health. Homes with daily use of the heating/cooling system should have the ducts checked annually.
• Fire safety: Change the batteries in all your smoke detectors. Making sure that extinguishers are in key places around your home is also a good idea in case of an emergency.
• Fireplace: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it is a good idea to have your chimney checked and cleaned to remove any residue that may have accumulated during winter use.
• Inspect the Deck: Rain and sun can begin to damage your deck, so now is the perfect time to make repairs such as nailing down loose boards and applying sealant to protect it from water. If you have a concrete patio or walkways, check for cracks and significant separation. Resurfacing or applying filler to these areas will help keep the cracking from getting worse. Deeper cracks mean more difficulty in terms of repairing damage caused by shifting.
• How's the Roof? Inspect the roof regularly for issues such as missing shingles, cracks, moss or damage from fallen tree limbs or hail. Have any damaged areas fixed right away before it becomes a bigger and more costly problem.
• Gutters: Clearing the gutters of leaves, branches, dirt and other debris will help stave off problems later.
• Doors and Windows: Caulk gaps around doors and window frames, remove storm windows and add screens. While you are working on the windows, why not clean them thoroughly on the outside and make sure all windows open easily when they are unlocked. Checking locks on all exterior doors and windows will also bring peace of mind.