As summer approaches, there are important things to take care of before opening your vacation home for the season. Before your family or renters begin spending time there, you must ensure things are safe and in working order.

Over the course of the months when your vacation home was closed up, dust has gathered inside, debris has piled up outside, and the weather has shifted. Maintenance, indoors and outdoors, should be done before opening your vacation home for the season. Here’s what to take care of before you take occupancy.

Yard maintenance

During the off-season, the weather changes may have done minor or major damage to your vacation property. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and picking up debris is a good start.

Overgrown greenery may obstruct walkways, block security camera angles, or impede outdoor lighting. Prune bushes and trees that may be overgrown and in the way. This is also a good time to clean the gutters, which may be filled with leaves and other debris after months of rain, snow, and wind.

Check for cracks or holes in sidewalks and pathways and repair them immediately to prevent potential tripping hazards. According to Ruby Home, falls make up 23% of accidental home-related injury deaths.

Pool maintenance

Before taking a dip in the pool to cool off, you want to do proper maintenance to ensure everyone’s safety. Once you remove the cover, clean it and allow it to dry before storing it away. Now you have one less thing to do when you close the pool after summer!

Before refilling the pool with water, check for signs of cracks and chips. Once the pool is filled, check for signs of leaks. Remove any debris and leaves from the pool area, as they can be tripping hazards.

HVAC maintenance

When returning to your vacation home after months away, it’s essential to check the status of your HVAC. Check the outdoor unit for foliage that may have grown around it. Trim shrubs so they’re at least 18 inches away from all sides of the pump. Heat pumps that are elevated 4 – 8 inches above the ground will provide proper drainage. If it sits any lower, now is a good time to adjust it so that using it won’t cause water damage to the unit, your house, or the property.

Check the filters to see if they need cleaning or replacing. At least once a year, you should have your heat pump checked by a professional. They will ensure everything is in running order before A/C season. By taking these steps, you will also help extend the life of your heat pump. Most HVAC systems have a 10-15-year lifespan, but if you neglect regular maintenance, your unit will wear out much sooner. Scheduling regular HVAC inspections will protect your investment.

Indoor maintenance

When opening your vacation home again, remember to ensure all lights are working, all faucets and toilets are running properly, and appliances are in working order. You should also inspect ceilings and walls for any signs of water damage and open and close windows to ensure they’re working efficiently.

Opening your vacation home for the season should be done with care. If you spend time now making sure everything is in running order, you minimize any possible damage and repair bills.

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