Summer has been full of fun in the sun. Whether your summer took you to local water parks or
trips up north, chances are you’ve been more focused on vacation and leisure than home
maintenance. Now that the kids are preparing to go back to school, it’s time to get into a routine
– and that includes taking care of your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems. Observe these tips
to get your home ready for fall and winter:
Service Your Air Conditioner
Your central cooling system has been working hard during this humid summer season. With
cooler temperatures on the way, now is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance check or tune-
up for your air conditioner. This will help ensure timely operation next year when the
temperatures start to spike once again. Don’t forget to clear any leaves or debris from your air
conditioner as they start to fall, because leaving them there through the winter could cause
corrosion or other damage to the components.
Check for Water Leaks
Your faucets and plumbing get a lot of exercise during the summer, whether it’s bathing dirty
children after a fun day at the park or shampooing the shedding hair from the dog. Dirt and hair
can quickly create clogs in your pipes. Left unattended, these can lead to leaks and water
damage, particularly in older homes. Now is the time to check your drains and piping for any
signs of backup and schedule a snaking, if necessary. Don’t let these clogs cause leaks that
damage your walls and surrounding structures.
Complete Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance
Finally, take care of some basic maintenance tasks outdoors to protect your pipes from the
dropping temperatures and freezing nights just on the horizon. Consider removing your hose
from the outdoor spigot, installing shut off valves for your faucet, and winterizing your irrigation
system, if you have one.
Though we may still be in the middle of warmer temperatures, weather in Michigan can change
overnight. Soon, we’ll be dealing with cooler temperatures and even the potential for frost and
freezing in the overnight hours. Now is the time to add these maintenance tasks to your to-do list.
