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The North Texas Homeowner's Essential Summer Maintenance Checklist
The Texas summer is here, and for homeowners in Plano and Dallas, that means more than just sunshine and cookouts.
The Texas summer is here, and for homeowners in Plano and Dallas, that means more than just sunshine and cookouts. It means facing down 100-degree days, sudden thunderstorms, and the relentless hum of our air conditioners working overtime. Your home is your biggest investment, and the brutal DFW summer puts it to the test.
At Dallas Pride Remodeling, we believe that proactive maintenance is the key to protecting your property, saving money, and enjoying a worry-free season. This essential checklist, also found in our Plano Home Maintenance Checklist, covers the critical tasks every North Texas homeowner should tackle to beat the heat and prepare for whatever summer throws our way.
Your HVAC System: The Unsung Hero of Summer
Your air conditioning system runs almost continuously from June through September, making it the single largest energy consumer in your home. Neglecting it is not an option. A mid-summer breakdown is a costly, uncomfortable catastrophe you can avoid with a few simple steps.
Find out what's happening in Planofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Change Air Filters Monthly: During peak summer usage, your HVAC filter works overtime. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder, driving up your energy bill, and reducing its lifespan. Plan to replace your filter every 1-3 months, and check it monthly during July and August.
- Clear the Outdoor Unit: Your outdoor condenser unit needs to breathe. Remove any leaves, grass clippings, or debris that have collected around it. Trim back bushes or plants to ensure there are at least two feet of clear space for proper airflow.
- Check the Condensate Drain Line: Your AC removes humidity from the air, which collects and drains through a condensate line. If this line becomes clogged, water can back up and cause significant water damage inside your home. Ensure it is clear and draining properly.
Foundation & Landscaping: Managing Our Expansive Clay Soil
One of the most unique challenges in North Texas is our expansive clay soil. During the intense summer heat, this soil shrinks and can pull away from your home's foundation, leading to settling and dangerous cracks. Consistent moisture is the best defense.
However, cities like Plano have implemented necessary water conservation rules. The key is to protect your foundation while adhering to these local guidelines. The(https://www.plano.gov/1813/Watering-Guidelines-and-Management) (April 1 - October 31) permit watering a maximum of twice per week on assigned days. Watering with sprinklers is prohibited between 10 am and 6 pm.
Find out what's happening in Planofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gutters & Drainage: Your First Defense Against Summer Storms
A clear sky can turn into a torrential downpour in minutes during a DFW summer. Your gutters are your home's first line of defense. When they are clogged with leaves and debris, rainwater has nowhere to go but over the sides, pooling directly against your foundation. This oversaturation worsens the soil's shrink-swell cycle and can lead to costly foundation damage.
Furthermore, the stagnant water in clogged gutters is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, a notorious North Texas pest. Our professional
gutter cleaning service is not just a chore—it's a critical step in protecting your home's structural integrity.
Energy Efficiency: Smart Tips to Lower Your Oncor Bill
Feeling the heat on your Oncor bill? You can make a significant impact with a few behavioral changes recommended by the(https://www.puc.texas.gov/powertosavetexas/) and the City of Plano.
- Set Your Thermostat to 78°F or Higher: When you're home, set your thermostat to 78 degrees. Every degree cooler can significantly increase your energy usage.
- Use Ceiling Fans: A ceiling fan can make a room feel 4-6 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. Remember to turn them off when you leave the room, as fans cool people, not spaces.
- Block the Sun: Close blinds and drapes on windows that receive direct sunlight, especially during the peak heat hours of 3 pm to 7 pm.
- Shift Your Energy Use: Run large appliances like your dishwasher, washer, and dryer during off-peak hours, typically after 8 pm.
Your Partner for Year-Round Home Health
This checklist can help you stay ahead of summer maintenance. While many of these tasks are manageable for homeowners, some jobs require a professional touch. For everything from expert gutter cleaning and pressure washing to HVAC filter replacement and handyman repairs, you need a local team you can trust.
Protect your Plano or Dallas home this summer. For reliable, professional home maintenance services, call Dallas Pride Remodeling today at (972) 499-5599.