{"id":8382,"date":"2023-06-02T11:15:05","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T17:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dncu.com\/?p=8382"},"modified":"2024-07-16T11:06:30","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T17:06:30","slug":"checklist-to-summerize-your-home-in-new-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dncu.com\/es\/blog\/checklist-to-summerize-your-home-in-new-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Checklist to Summer-ize Your Home in New Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Mexico is known for extremes in its climate, ranging from severe winters to sunburned summers across the state. These dramatic swings in weather conditions can take a toll on houses in New Mexico, resulting in high monthly air conditioning bills and maintenance costs or even damage to a cherished home.<\/p>\n

Read on for our summer home maintenance checklist of the most effective ways to protect your home from the effects of New Mexico weather in summer and discover why a HELOC or Home Equity Loan from Del Norte Credit Union<\/a> is a popular choice for New Mexico homeowners looking to finance home improvements<\/a> this season and beyond.<\/p>\n

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1.\u00a0 Maintain Roof and Home Exterior<\/h2>\n

Check your roof for leaks or damage: The summer sun can take its toll on roofing materials so it\u2019s important to replace or repair cracked or missing shingles as soon as possible. Also, clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging by leaves, nests, or remaining debris that attract pests or vermin during the hot months.<\/p>\n

Need more information on financing home improvement projects? Check out our free guide on <\/em>How to Pay for Home Renovations<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0 Service HVAC System<\/h3>\n

Change out air filters at least once a month in summer to maintain efficiency in your HVAC system and ensure air quality inside your home. Schedule a maintenance check with an HVAC professional for an inspection and cleaning of your system to ensure efficiency and to prevent breakdowns during the hot summer months. Consider the use of a whole-house fan and programmable thermostat to reduce monthly air conditioning bills.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0 Protect Windows and Doors<\/h3>\n

New Mexico homeowners enjoy beautiful views from home but taking some steps to ensure that the desert panoramas aren\u2019t costing you money is a good idea. Install shades or window film to help block out the sun\u2019s heat and solar radiation.\u00a0 Use weather stripping, an inexpensive repair, to seal gaps around doors and windows. Depending upon your location, consider installing storm doors and windows to provide an added layer of insulation and protection from harsh seasonal weather.<\/p>\n

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4.\u00a0 Prepare Your Outdoor Living Spaces<\/h3>\n

Maintain a lawn mowing schedule to provide a pleasant outdoor environment and to prevent overgrowth. Trim bushes and trees, especially those near the roof of your home, as they may damage your home and provide an accessway for pests. Clearing off patios and porches of any debris, leaves, and dirt should be taken care of at the start of the summer season as well and can further help keep your home free of any insects.<\/p>\n

As you\u2019re prepping your outdoor spaces, don\u2019t forget to prep your grill and outdoor cooking space. Clean off your grill of any dirt or pollen, scrub the grates, and make sure the propane tank is working effectively. Practice proper grill safety by ensuring that your grill is placed a minimum of 3 feet away from any house walls, and never place your grill under covers such as an umbrella or canopy.<\/p>\n

Consider adding structures such as umbrellas or awnings to provide additional shade to your home and to make your outdoor living spaces more comfortable. Lastly, power washing decks and porches, and adding water features or fountains, are great ways to create a clean and enjoyable outdoor environment.<\/p>\n

Looking to spend more time outdoors this summer while also saving a little money? Check out our guide to <\/em>Low Cost Summer Trips & Activities To Do In Northern New Mexico<\/em><\/a> for some ideas on how to enjoy northern New Mexico without breaking the bank.<\/em><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0 Check Plumbing<\/h3>\n

New Mexico takes water conservation seriously. Play your part by inspecting hoses and faucets for leaks and replacing them accordingly. If you have a sump pump, early summer can be a good time to inspect it for damage and make any necessary repairs prior to rains that typically occur in July and August in New Mexico as part of the North American Monsoon System.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to wait until summer to get going on home improvement and preparation. Check out our guide to <\/em>Home Repairs & Refreshes to Take Care of in Spring<\/em><\/a> for more ideas.<\/em><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0 Consider Energy Savings Improvements<\/h3>\n

In addition to installing a whole-house fan and programmable thermostat, consider the use of other energy saving improvements such as adding ceiling fans to main rooms and bedrooms, and switching to energy saving light bulbs.<\/p>\n

Did you know that personal loans can be used to meet a variety of expenses? Check out <\/em>Personal Loans at DNCU<\/em><\/a> for more information and to apply online today.<\/em><\/p>\n

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7.\u00a0 Other Easy Summer-izing Tasks<\/h3>\n

Finish up your summer preparation with the following tasks that may be relevant to your property:<\/p>\n