SUMMER MAINTENANCE GUIDE

As Summer heats up, these simple tips will help keep you cool and lower your energy costs!

• Check your air filter, a dirty filter will reduce air flow and cause your A/C to work harder

• Check the condensing unit outside the home for overgrown vegetation and debris blocking the air flow

• Have your A/C system professionally cleaned and checked for proper system charge pressures

• Use the features of your setback thermostat, on two zone systems stager the cooling temperatures for day and night efficiency

• Turn the thermostat fan control switch to on rather than automatic, allowing for continuous circulation of conditioned air

• Use your ceiling fans to circulate the air throughout the room Constant air movement will make the room feel cooler

• Keep all doors and windows fully closed and locked

• Check the operation of your attic ventilation fan, the cooler the attic the less heat load is introduced into your home

• Adjust your supply dampers at the trunk line source for the most effective room cooling

EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE ASSURES A WATERPROOF STRUCTURE!

PREVENTATIVE MAINTANENCE IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE:

DRYVIT (EIFS), BRICK AND CEDAR SIDING ALL HAVE THE SAME INHERENT MOISTURE PROBLEMS!

NO MATTER HOW WELL THE SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED (OR TYPE OF CLADDING YOU HAVE ON THE EXTERIOR), IT WILL FAIL WITHOUT YOUR ATTENTION.

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR EXTERIOR CLADDING IS, A THOROUGH INSPECTION IS NEEDED EVERY YEAR TO PREVENT AGAINST WATER RELATED MOLD AND ROT!

Check all doors and windows for cracking and shrinking caulk joints

Check all window sills for any uplifting

Check all wood for cracking paint and good paint adhesion, cracked boards and rotting wood

Check landscaping for PROPER DRAINAGE away from the structure and exposed concrete at the foundation

Check all brick, brick joints and chimney caps for cracks

Check all roof to wall flashing and chimney flashings

          Check your gutters to be sure they are clean and free flowing

BEFORE YOU GO ON VACATION. Whether winter or summer you should do the following to be sure you prevent accidental water damage. TURN OFF THE WATER AT THE WELL TANK INLET OR JUST BEFORE THE WATER METER. OPEN ALL FAUCET VALVES TO RELIEVE PRESSURE AND DRAIN DOWN THE SYSTEM. This will save your home in the event of mechanical failure of your heating system and frozen water pipes bursting. Winter or summer the joints and fittings can develop leaks and burst. Water can be more damaging than Fire. Lower your thermostat to conserve energy (raise the A/C setting or turn off the unit), as well as lowering or completely shutting down the water heaters. Why waste energy while you are away. Drop a stick cut to the proper length into your sliding door track to prevent entry and use your deadbolts. Arrange to have someone check your home periodically while you are away particularly if a power failure does occur to be sure your home is safe. 

 

Following these simple steps will assure your home is ready for any failure which may occur. Only you can be held responsible for system failures if you do not perform maintenance. Just because you have a new or trouble free home does not mean it does not require homeowner maintenance and does not exclude you from monetary responsibilities in the event of a failure. The best built homes can only last and remain trouble free through proper maintenance and upkeep.

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING A MAINTENANCE ISSUE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT gtabert@integrityhomes.net AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY OF OUR SUMMER NEWSLETTER, OR WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST, CALL US AT 847 487-9618.