August checklist for looking after your home

August is synonymous with heat, holidays and longer days. It’s also a good time to check a few basic things around the house. From the air conditioning to your plants and drains, a few minutes’ maintenance can help you enjoy the summer with greater peace of mind.

Go through this checklist and check whether your home is ready for the coming weeks.

A well-prepared home can also enjoy the summer

During the hottest months, we use the air conditioning more frequently, keep the windows closed for much of the day and, in many cases, leave the house empty for several days.

So, whether you’re staying at home or planning to travel, it’s a good idea to take a few simple precautions.

1. Check the air-conditioning filters

Before your air conditioning is running at full capacity, check the condition of its filters. When they become clogged with dust and dirt, the unit has to work harder to cool the room.

Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and check that they are completely dry before putting them back in place. As well as ensuring more efficient operation, this check helps to maintain better air quality inside your home.

2. Water the plants first thing in the morning or late in the evening

Avoid watering during the hours of peak sunshine. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, temperatures are milder and the water evaporates more slowly.

Before watering, check the soil moisture to ensure you use the right amount of water for each plant’s needs. If you’re going to be away for several days, you can set up a suitable watering system or ask someone to check on them.

3. Air the house out in the morning or in the evening

Ventilating your home is important in summer too, but the time of day you choose makes all the difference.

Open the windows during the coolest parts of the day, preferably first thing in the morning or in the evening. Where possible, open windows on opposite sides of the room to encourage cross-ventilation. Then close them again when the outside temperature rises.

4. Lower awnings and blinds during the sunniest part of the day

Sunlight coming in through the windows can quickly raise the temperature inside. To minimise its impact, lower the awnings and blinds in the most exposed rooms during the middle of the day.

You can combine them with curtains or blinds to create an extra barrier against the heat. When the sun is no longer shining directly in, open them again to make the most of the natural light.

5. Switch the air conditioning to ECO or Sleep mode

The ECO and Sleep modes are designed to adjust the device’s operation and prevent unnecessary energy consumption, particularly at night.

Keep doors and windows closed whilst the air conditioning is on, and choose a comfortable, stable temperature. Sudden changes and setting the temperature too low do not usually cool the room any quicker and can put extra strain on the unit.

6. Adjust the thermos or heater

If you’re going to be away for several days, check the settings on your water heater or boiler. Some models have a holiday mode or allow you to adjust their settings whilst you’re away.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before adjusting the temperature or switching off the appliance. This will help you avoid unnecessary energy consumption without compromising its proper functioning or the safety of the installation.

7. Clean the kitchen and bathroom drains

Heat can make unpleasant odours from drains worse. Before you leave, remove any visible debris from sinks and washbasins, clean the drains and make sure there is no food left behind.

It is also a good idea to check the drains that are used less frequently. Keeping them clean and ensuring there is water in the traps helps to prevent unpleasant odours whilst the house is unoccupied.

8. Do not leave ripe fruit or food scraps lying about

High temperatures speed up the ripening of fruit and encourage the appearance of flies, ants and other insects.

Keep perishable food in the fridge, wipe up any crumbs and bits of food from surfaces, and take out the rubbish before you leave. Don’t forget to check the sink, the dishwasher and your pets’ food bowls as well.

August Quick Checklist

I haven’t left any ripe fruit or food scraps lying about.

I have checked the air-conditioning filters.

I water the plants during the coolest part of the day.

I air the flat in the morning or in the evening.

Under awnings and blinds during the sunniest part of the day.

I use the air conditioning’s ECO or Sleep mode.

I have checked the settings on the water heater.

I’ve unblocked the kitchen and bathroom drains.

Have you ticked everything off the checklist? Now all that’s left is to enjoy the summer.

Whether you’re staying or going away, take a few minutes to get your home ready. A few simple steps can help keep it fresher, tidier and more energy-efficient throughout August.