John Karadsheh
We know the heat is on its way, so here a few things to get your home ready for the next few months of 100-degree weather.
- Service your air conditioner. May is always a great time to do a summer air conditioner tune-up, and knowing your unit is running smoothly will give you peace of mind as the temperatures heat up. Also consider installing a programmable thermostat, so you can keep the temps at the most efficient level when you are home and away.
- Watch your pool. As the weather heats up, pools tend to get off balance, and are prone to algae. Regularly check your pool’s pH and chlorine levels, and tackle any bits of green immediately.
- Trim your trees. With the approach of monsoon season, make sure your desert trees haven’t gotten too top heavy in the spring. Use an experienced landscaper or tree trimmer to make sure your trees are properly trimmed and balanced. Tree trimming is much cheaper than tree removal.
- Dust your ceiling fans. Dust loves to settle on ceiling fan blades. So, give them a quick wipe before they start their busy season.
- Straighten the garage now, or your significant other will decide it is a good idea in mid-July.
- Get the outdoor grill ready. Barbecue season is upon us, as well. Refill your propane tanks, and get your grill cleaned up because it is much less enjoyable when it is 115 degrees outside.
- Adjust your sprinkler system and watering times for the warmer temps, and move potted plants into afternoon shade to give them a break. In addition, let your grass grow a little longer to help it retain moisture.
- Open your windows now. Get fresh air into your house before it is closed up for the summer. Are you home all summer? Consider adding a houseplant to each room to help clean your interior air. Best choices include Boston fern, Dracaena (aka Janet Craig), Ficus and Golden Pothos.
- Check the coils on your refrigerator and freezer. Clogged coils can strain appliances when they are already working overtime in the hot weather.
- Clean your oven, and give it a vacation. Ovens heat our houses so much and force our air conditioners to work overtime. Use the barbecue when you can, and make do with a toaster oven when at all possible.
The Arizona real estate market, just like the weather, stays hot in the summer. So, if you are thinking of moving, this could be just the right time.
John Karadsheh is a licensed REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker, Trails and Paths Premier Properties. He also is an Associate Broker, Accredited Buyers Representative, a Certified Residential Specialist and was the No. 1 residential real estate agent in Arizona by Ranking Arizona, the Best of Arizona Business. You can contact John with any of your real estate questions. Call him at (602) 615-0843, or go to his Web site at www.BuyAndSellAZ.com.