August is National Wellness Month

Home Maintenance Projects You Should Tackle in August

August is arguably one of the best months to tackle some important maintenance projects around the home. As summer winds down, August promises some cooler temperatures — and we want to make sure our homes are prepared for the change.

Tackle a few (or all!) of these projects throughout the month to keep your home healthy and happy — both inside and out.

EXTERIOR

• Clean your gutters. Remove any leaves and debris from your gutters to avoid clogging. This helps move water away from your home so it doesn’t collect around your foundation and seep into your crawl space or basement.
• Inspect roof. A happy roof means a happy home! Check your roof to make sure it is free of damage and debris, and replace any missing or damaged shingles if needed.
• Power wash driveway, patio and deck. Your outdoor areas have likely seen a lot of foot traffic this summer. Create a clean slate by removing dirt and grime from your driveway, patio and deck!
• Check for small animal entries. Make sure there are no entry points to your attic, crawl space or basement for small critters, who will be looking for a warm place to stay once the temperatures cool.
• Trim trees. Trim off any low-hanging or weak branches that may break off in fall or winter storms.

INTERIOR

• Check for air leaks. Before the cold weather hits, check for air leaks throughout your home. On a windy day, turn off central air and light a candle or a stick of incense. Walk around to exterior doors or windows to see if the flame or smoke changes direction! If so, locate the leak and patch it with caulk or another sealant.
• Vacuum coils behind refrigerator. This can be an important step in prolonging the life of your refrigerator, as dust or pet hair can prevent it from cooling properly and efficiently. Vacuum the coils every 6 months to a year — or more often if you have pets.
• Deep clean carpets and rugs. After all that indoor/outdoor living, your carpets and rugs may be in need of a deep clean. Consider shampooing them, if necessary!
• Maintain your furnace. Make sure your furnace is running properly before fall hits. Schedule a preventative tune-up and inspection to ensure all is in working order.

Take Heart.

Don’t worry. All your hard work will pay off this fall — and beyond!