All the Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Do in August
As summer enters its final phase, it’s time to cross a few maintenance tasks off your list. From HVAC systems to landscaping, a little maintenance can now prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Here are a few tasks you should complete in August to get everything in good shape come fall.
Check your drainpipes
In some areas, the end of August is the rainy season; in others it’s storm season with heavy downpours. To ensure the longevity of your roof and protect your foundation from flooding, make sure your downspouts are free of leaves and debris. To unclog a clogged drainpipe, you can remove it from the drain pipe on the gutter and run a strong stream of water through it from a hose. If the hose is not strong enough, you can try a retractable cleaning brush to clear the clog.
Check Your HVAC Filters
In some areas, wildfire season is already upon us, and smoke buildup in your furnace filter can be a problem. In other areas, dry weather may raise dust, and there is likely to be seasonal pollen there too. Inspect your filter to see how it’s holding up, even if it’s not officially time to replace it. It’s also a good idea to have an extra filter or two on hand if you live in an area that may be affected by wildfire smoke.
Tighten and lubricate hinges
As the seasons change, the moisture content in the air changes, as does the temperature, causing wood products to swell and shrink. In this case, the doors may get stuck or become loose in their frames. In August, take a few minutes to inspect your doors, making sure the hinges are securely attached, quickly turning the screws with a screwdriver to ensure your doors remain functional. In addition to checking your door hardware, you can use a needle oiler to lubricate hinges, locks, and latches that are noisy or sticky. Now is the time to check the hinges and latches on your fences and gates.
Remove the dead brush
If you have dead tree limbs, dead branches on bushes, or other dry plant material, August is a good time to prune them. Trimming dead branches reduces damage from storms and hurricanes, and removing dead wood and leaves from the yard also reduces the risk of fire. If you prefer to leave some leaves and brush for wildlife habitat, you can create a leaf or brush pile at least 15 feet away from structures.
Replace old light bulbs with LEDs
As the days get shorter, you’ll likely turn on the lights more often. If you still have regular incandescent light bulbs in a few places, now is the time to replace them. You can save some money on your electricity bills and take this task off your list for the next few years, as good quality LED bulbs last much longer than their incandescent counterparts.
Create seasonal emergency kits
If you don’t already have an emergency kit for hurricane season, wildfires, or extreme heat, August is a good time to purchase one. A good first aid kit should have:
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Water supply for three days
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Three-day supply of non-perishable food items
You can also add other elements that will be useful for the specific climate and weather in your area. If you already have a first aid kit, you can check your supplies and expiration dates on food and water.