15 Expert-Recommended June Home Maintenance Tips for Northwest Arkansas Residents

Replace Air Conditioner Filter

Replace the air conditioner filter on your central cooling system every one to three months, depending on its dirtiness. Opt for a high-quality filter designed to remove microscopic particles like mold and pollen, reducing dust and pollutants in your home. Locate the filter behind the air return grate on a wall or floor, or near the air handler unit for certain AC systems. Remember to turn off the AC, replace the filter, and turn it back on.

Clean Clothes Dryer Vent Pipe

Regularly clean the vent pipe of your clothes dryer to maintain its efficiency and prevent potential fire hazards caused by lint buildup. This is an excellent June home maintenance tips as most homeowners overlook this and clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of home fires.

Remove the dryer vent cover on the exterior of your house and/or detach the flexible hose from the back. Use a lint brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to thoroughly clean the pipe and hose. Reattach the cover and hose securely.

Inspect and Clean Chimney and Fireplace

For homes with chimneys and fireplaces, have them inspected and cleaned by a professional before the cooler months return. Removing creosote buildup and ensuring proper ventilation is crucial for safety.

Clean Paddle Ceiling Fans

Keep the blades and motor of your paddle ceiling fans clean to ensure optimal performance. Wipe the blades with a damp cloth, paying attention to the top surfaces where dust tends to accumulate. Another effective method is to wrap a dryer sheet around a paint roller, secure it with rubber bands, and roll it over the blades to remove dust. Vacuum the fan motor housing to eliminate any dust or dirt.

Clean Grill Grates

Before cooking on your grill for the first time this year and regularly throughout the grilling season, ensure your grill grates are clean. You have three cleaning options:

• Use a grill cleaner to spray the grates, let them soak, and clean them with a wire brush.
• Wrap the grates in newspaper saturated with household ammonia, leave it overnight, then rinse with water and wash with dishwashing soap.
• Spray the grates with white vinegar, let them sit for a few minutes, then scrub them with crumpled aluminum foil. Wear gloves when using ammonia.

Maintain Exterior Paint and Siding

Inspect the exterior paint and siding of your home for any signs of wear or damage. Touch up areas with peeling paint and consider power washing or cleaning the siding to maintain its appearance.

Remove Mold and Mildew

Prevent mold and mildew on the exterior of your home by keeping shrubs and trees trimmed away. To remove existing mold and mildew:

• Mix a solution of bleach and water (1 part bleach to 4-10 parts water) in a garden sprayer, adding dishwashing soap or TSP for extra strength.
• Spray the solution onto the surface and let it sit for 10-20 minutes.
• Scrub the area with a long-handled soft brush dipped in soapy water.
• Rinse the surface thoroughly with a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle. Protect yourself and nearby vegetation from the bleach.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Maintain at least a two to three feet clearance around your central air conditioner by pruning shrubs. Avoid damaging the delicate aluminum fins on the outside unit while pruning. Additionally, prevent clogs in the condensation drain line by pouring a cup of bleach into the access opening near the AC unit each year.

Check and Adjust Lawn Sprinklers

Perform preventative maintenance and leak checks on your lawn sprinkler system before the summer watering season begins:

• Ensure the ground has thawed to a depth of at least one foot before turning on the water.
• Clear

Check and Maintain Outdoor Lighting

Inspect outdoor lighting fixtures, replace any burnt-out bulbs, and ensure proper functionality. Outdoor lighting not only enhances curb appeal but also provides safety and security during the long summer evenings.