Your Summer Preventative Maintenance Checklist for Appliances

As the lazy, hazy days of summer approach, you may be dreaming about the great outdoors and some additional time for R&R. However, it’s a good idea to prepare your home first and complete a preventative maintenance checklist for your appliances. 

Here are some simple tasks to take care of now so you won’t have to worry about issues or problems as the warm-weather season arrives.

Get Your HVAC System Ready for Action

It’s always a good idea to clean and assess your HVAC when the seasons change. Depending on where you live, you may have the air conditioning blasting for the next few months, so it’s a good idea to prepare it for heavy use.

Clean the Ducts & Clear Around the Condenser

Start by inspecting the ducts: 

1. Clean the accessible areas and get rid of any debris that may have built up during the winter and spring.
2. Pay close attention to the outside unit and clean away any branches or leaves that may have grown with time. 
3. If possible, maintain a clear perimeter around this unit throughout the summer season. Hopefully, this will prevent any debris from blowing into the unit and causing a breakdown.

Change the HVAC Air Filter

Changing the filter frequently when the unit is in use is a good idea, and you should add a brand-new filter to your annual preventative maintenance checklist.

First, ensure you purchase the correct type of air filter for your system.

You should then:

1. Turn off the master HVAC system switch.
2. Remove the air filter panel.
3. Replace the old with the new and remember to place it the right way around. Many filters have an arrow on the side to help you.
4. Replace the panel.

Switch the system back on and you should be good to go for the season.

Spring Clean the Refrigerator

Your fridge may get an extra workout during the summer. The last thing you want is a fridge failure, so add the refrigerator to your preventative maintenance checklist.

1. Start by pulling your refrigerator away from the wall.
2. Then, vacuum around the coils to clean away any accumulated dust or pet hair. If you keep these coils as clean as possible, it will help with the heat transfer process.
3. Inspect any exposed parts or hoses for signs of cracks or leaks. You may need to bring in a contractor if you discover anything that may need fixing.

Spruce up Your Garbage Disposal & Dishwasher

Of course you clean these appliances during the year, but add them to your summer preventative maintenance checklist for some extra attention before summer arrives. 

Consider a garbage disposal cleaner to deep clean the toughest crannies where stubborn dirt may have built up over time. 

Also, consider a dishwasher cleaner to eliminate any rust, grease, lime, or hard water buildup.

Clean & Test the Water Heater

Now is a good time to inspect the exterior of your water heater tank and the piping. If you spot any leaks or cracks, you may need to bring in a contractor to help.

However, you can test the temperature pressure release valve yourself to ensure it can release any pressure buildup due to internal air expansion.

To do this:

1. Turn off the power supply.
2. Turn off the water to the tank.
3. Put a bucket beneath the drainpipe next to the valve.
4. Lift and release the valve tab.

The water should flow briefly, but if it keeps flowing, the valve may be faulty and require a replacement.

Clean & Adjust Your Ceiling Fans

Many people skip their ceiling fans during regular cleaning, as this can be a difficult task. But it’s a good idea to add them to your pre-summer preventative maintenance checklist, including those outdoor units.

Here’s your step-by-step ceiling fan cleaning process:

1. Turn off all the ceiling fans and wait for them to come to a stop.
2. Use a sturdy stepladder to reach the fans and get someone to help if need be.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to clean every surface thoroughly. You may need to make an additional effort for outdoor fans as they tend to live in a far more humid environment and can get dirtier.
4. It may help to use a ceiling fan cleaning tool to make this job much easier. This tool will allow you to clean both sides of the fan blade simultaneously and has a telescopic handle.

When you finish, flick the two-way switch to the summer setting so the fan spins counter-clockwise, pushing the air down and creating a breeze.

Freshen up Your Outdoor BBQ So It’s Ready for Company

Many people just cover their outdoor grill when the fall weather starts to turn and don’t give it a second thought. So now’s the time to add it to your preventative maintenance checklist and prepare to host your visitors. 

To prepare your outdoor BBQ:

1. Do a top-to-bottom inspection to look for any hidden dirt.
2. Clean from the inside out to avoid going over any areas twice.
3. Focus on the grates. This job may be easier with a grill cleaning block, which won’t clog like a regular brush or pad and conforms to the shape of the space within each grill grate.
4. Wipe down the exterior and leave to dry.

Don’t Forget to Test or Add Safety Detectors

When did you last test your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors? As a last and very important step in your summer preventative maintenance checklist, be sure to change the batteries in all of your alarms and detectors.

And while most homes already have smoke detectors, you should think about adding a device to check for potentially deadly carbon monoxide, too. A good option is a plug-in carbon monoxide detector with a battery backup.

Keep Your Appliances Running Smoothly With This Summer Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Once you’ve checked everything off your preventative maintenance checklist, you should be ready for the summer season ahead. 

Hopefully, you can avoid any unexpected and unwanted problems and can greet the summer in style. And when the fun is over and the nights begin to draw in, don’t forget to start on your fall home maintenance checklist for appliances.