Suzy's Guide to Seasonal Home Maintenance

Summer is finally here! It's time to fire up the grill, soak up the sun and start tackling some of these projects you may have been putting off.

Summer

1.    Care and clean for decks, patios, or porches. Check for peeling paint, cracked or slipped roof tiles, and damaged stairs. Make sure the supports are not broken, weakened, or rotted out.
2.    Clean or power-wash your home's siding, walls and concrete slabs.
3.    Test and lubricate garage doors. It's also a good time to clean out all that clutter that seems to accumulate in garages.
4.    Remove showerheads and clean them to remove any sediment buildup.
5.    Clean your dishwasher filter, check for any signs of leaks under or around it. Check to see that the washer arm isn't stuck by opening the dishwasher and spinning and lifting the washer arm.
6.    Schedule a service call to have your furnace checked before the first cold day of fall or winter.
7.    Change furnace filters.
8.    Replace flashlight batteries.
9.    Clean your refrigerator coils. Refer to your fridge's manual or manufacturer's website to find out how.
10.   Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and replace batteries or devices if necessary.