The dog days of summer are barking and Labor Day is just around the bend, signaling the end of yet another epic season in the sun. But before you give your flamingo pool float one last hurrah, take a break with some home maintenance prep for the changing season ahead. Why worry now about what you can do next month?
Well, as it turns out, some home maintenance tasks are best tackled in August, before temperatures start dipping, especially if they’ve been getting a lot of use during these Summer months. Things like bathroom vent fans and ceiling paddle fans could probably use some simple maintenance to keep things running smooth (and cool).
Ceiling Fan Maintenance
In the warm summer months, it’s not uncommon to flip on your overhead ceiling fans and leave them running all season long. So now that they’ve been going 24-7, it’s wise to get on your step ladder and take a good look at those blades. Chances are, they’ve collected some dust, and those blades and motors on your ceiling fans could use a good cleaning to keep you from breathing in all those particulates that are being sent swirling into your eyes, nose and sinuses.
To clean a paddle ceiling fan, wipe the blades with a damp cloth, paying particular attention to the tops of the blades where dust accumulates. Another option for fast and easy blade cleaning is to wrap a dryer sheet around a paint roller, holding it in place with rubber bands, then run the roller over the top of the blades to remove any dust. And while you’re up there, it’s also a good idea to use a vacuum to remove any dust or dirt from the fan motor housing.
Bathroom Vent Maintenance
Running a bathroom vent fan during and for 10-20 minutes after you shower or bath is important to remove excess humidity and prevent mold or mildew from forming. Cleaning the vent fan annually will keep it running quietly and efficiently.
To clean a bathroom vent fan:
- Turn the power off to the fan.
- Remove the cover (on most fans you pull down on the cover to extend it, then compress the spring wires on each side to take it off).
- Use a brush or vacuum to remove dust from the cover, then scrub it in soapy water.
- Vacuum out the dust from inside the fan box and wipe off the blades.
- Spray the moving parts with silicone lubricant to help it run smoothly and quietly.
- Replace the vent fan cover.
- Turn the power back on.
Check to see if the fan is working properly. If not, you’ll need to remove and replace the vent fan motor.
Wait, before you go, while you have the stepladder in the bathroom, remove any cobwebs, scrub mildew off the ceiling or walls, and replace burned out or old inefficient light bulbs with energy saving LED or CFL bulbs.
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