Quick Ways To Prepare For Summer

Summer in Atlanta means heat, humidity, and a home maintenance checklist that deserves your attention before the season hits in earnest. Taking care of these tasks now will keep your home comfortable, efficient, and looking its best through the hottest months of the year.

1. Clean and Service Your Grill

After a winter of disuse, your grill likely needs a thorough cleaning before the first summer cookout. Remove the grates and soak them in soapy water. Scrub the interior of the grill and clean the burners. Check gas connections for leaks by applying soapy water to connections with the gas on — bubbles indicate a leak that needs immediate attention. If you have a charcoal grill, clean out old ash and check for rust.

2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Most people don't realize ceiling fans have a seasonal switch. In summer, fans should rotate counterclockwise (when viewed from below) at higher speed to create a cooling wind-chill effect. In winter, they should rotate clockwise at low speed to circulate warm air that has risen to the ceiling. Check each fan in your home and adjust accordingly — it can meaningfully reduce your AC costs.

3. Wash Your Windows

Spring pollen season leaves Atlanta windows coated in yellow film. A thorough window cleaning dramatically improves both the appearance and natural light in your home. Use a streak-free window cleaner and a squeegee for the best results. Also clean the window tracks and screens — screens can be removed and hosed down.

4. Service Your HVAC Before Peak Season

Don't wait until July for your annual HVAC service call. Schedule a tune-up now before the busy season, when you'll wait weeks for service. A technician will clean the condenser coil, check refrigerant levels, test the system, and identify any issues before they become emergencies. Replace your air filter if you haven't recently.

5. Check and Start Your Irrigation System

If you have a sprinkler system, run each zone and inspect all heads. Look for heads that aren't popping up, are misaligned, or are broken. Adjust coverage to ensure you're watering efficiently and not wasting water on hardscapes. Program your timer for summer watering schedules (typically early morning for most of Georgia).

6. Inspect and Seal Your Deck or Patio

Wood decks endure significant weathering over the winter. Inspect boards for rot, loose screws or nails, and structural integrity. If your deck has bare wood exposed, now is the time to clean and re-seal or stain it. This protects the wood and keeps your outdoor entertaining space looking great through summer. For concrete patios, check for cracks that may have expanded through freeze-thaw cycles.

Maintaining your home properly not only keeps it comfortable — it protects your investment. If you're thinking about selling this summer, a well-maintained home commands top dollar. Contact Dexter Williams at (770) 692-1923 to discuss your home's market value.