(BPT) - Summer brings sunshine, backyard barbecues, and long evenings on the patio. But the warm, humid conditions that make July so enjoyable also create the perfect breeding ground for some of a homeowner's worst enemies: termites, carpenter ants, mosquitoes, and moisture-related damage.
"July is peak season for pest activity and moisture intrusion," explains James Carter, a licensed home inspector with over 15 years of experience in the Southeast. "The combination of heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms creates conditions where wood-destroying insects thrive and water finds its way into places it shouldn't. A few hours of preventative maintenance now can save thousands in repairs later."
1. Walk the Perimeter: Foundation and Siding Check
Grab a flashlight and walk slowly around the entire exterior of your home. Look for mud tubes — pencil-width tunnels running up your foundation wall — which are the number one sign of subterranean termites. Also check for any gaps or cracks in siding, around windows, and where pipes or cables enter the home. Even a gap as small as a quarter-inch is an open door for pests and moisture.
2. Manage Mulch and Soil Contact
Wood mulch piled against your foundation is like rolling out a welcome mat for termites. Keep mulch at least 6 inches below the siding line and consider replacing wood mulch near the foundation with gravel or stone. Soil should slope away from the foundation at a rate of 6 inches over the first 10 feet to direct rainwater away from your home.
3. Clean Gutters and Check Downspouts
Clogged gutters hold standing water — a mosquito breeding paradise and a prime source of water intrusion. Clean gutters now before summer thunderstorms hit their peak. Downspouts should extend at least 5 feet from the foundation. Splash blocks or downspout extensions are inexpensive insurance against foundation damage.
4. Inspect Crawlspaces and Basements
Summer humidity can push crawlspace moisture levels into the danger zone, inviting mold, wood rot, and pests. Look for standing water, condensation on ductwork, or a musty smell. A properly installed vapor barrier (at least 6-mil polyethylene) should cover the entire crawlspace floor with seams overlapped by 12 inches. If your crawlspace feels damp, consider having a professional evaluate your ventilation or encapsulation needs.
5. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Tree branches touching your roof create a highway for ants, squirrels, and other unwanted guests. Trim branches back at least 6-8 feet from the roofline. Shrubs should be cut back from siding to promote airflow and prevent trapped moisture against exterior walls.
6. Check Weather Stripping and Window Seals
Summer storms can drive rain horizontally, and deteriorated seals around windows and doors are a common entry point. Inspect weather stripping for cracks or gaps, and check window caulking for separation. Replace as needed — a tube of exterior caulk costs less than $10 and takes minutes to apply.
7. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap of standing water. After every rain, walk your property and dump water from plant saucers, kids' toys, wheelbarrows, and clogged drainage areas. Check that birdbaths are refreshed every 2-3 days. For persistent wet spots in the yard, consider regrading or installing a French drain.
8. Inspect Deck and Fence Wood
Take a screwdriver and gently probe deck posts, joists, and fence posts at ground level. Soft, spongy wood indicates rot or potential termite damage. Pay special attention to any wood in direct contact with soil — this is a building code violation in most areas and an open invitation to wood-destroying insects.
9. Check Attic Ventilation
A properly ventilated attic should feel breezy, not stifling. Inadequate ventilation traps heat and moisture, which can warp roof sheathing, reduce shingle life, and create the warm, humid conditions pests love. Soffit vents should be clear of insulation, and ridge or gable vents should be unobstructed.
10. Seal Interior Entry Points
Inside your home, check around baseboards, under sinks, and where pipes enter walls. Use expanding foam or caulk to seal gaps. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom — the combination of warmth, moisture, and potential food sources makes these areas prime real estate for ants, cockroaches, and silverfish.
When to Call a Professional
Don't hesitate to bring in an expert if you notice:
"An hour of preventative inspection in July can prevent a nightmare discovery in December," Carter emphasizes. "I've seen termite colonies do tens of thousands in damage because a homeowner never thought to look behind their shrubbery. Your home is your biggest investment — treat it that way."
At Insight Inspection Services, our comprehensive inspections always include a thorough pest and moisture assessment. We check for signs of wood-destroying insects, evaluate drainage and grading, and identify moisture intrusion issues before they become expensive problems. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, we're here to help protect what matters most.
Contact us today to schedule your home inspection or learn more about our pest and moisture inspection services.
(BPT) - As temperatures climb and summer settles in, your HVAC system becomes the hardest-working appliance in your home. A little preventative maintenance now can save you from an expensive breakdown during a heatwave — not to mention keep your energy bills in check during the peak cooling season.
"Most homeowners don't think about their air conditioning until it stops working on the hottest day of the year," says Mike Reynolds, a certified HVAC technician with over 20 years of experience. "But with a few simple steps in early summer, you can avoid most emergency calls and keep your system running efficiently all season long."
1. Change or Clean Your Air Filters Monthly
This is the simplest and most impactful thing you can do. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy. During heavy-use summer months, check your filter every 30 days and replace it if it's visibly dirty. A clean filter can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
2. Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your outdoor unit needs at least two feet of clearance on all sides to breathe properly. Trim back shrubs, remove leaves, grass clippings, and any debris that may have accumulated around the unit. A blocked condenser can overheat and fail, or dramatically reduce efficiency.
3. Clean the Condenser Coils
Over time, the condenser coils on your outdoor unit collect dirt and grime that insulate the coils and reduce their ability to release heat. Gently rinse the coils with a garden hose (never a pressure washer, which can bend the delicate fins). For best results, turn off power to the unit at the breaker before cleaning.
4. Inspect and Clean the Evaporator Coil Drain Line
Your air conditioner's indoor evaporator coil produces condensation that drains through a line to the outside. Algae and mold can clog this line, causing water to back up and potentially damage your home. Pour a cup of white vinegar or warm water through the drain line every few months to prevent clogs.
5. Check and Seal Ductwork
Leaky ducts can waste 20% to 30% of the cooled air your system produces. Inspect visible ductwork in your attic, basement, or crawl space for gaps, cracks, or disconnected sections. Use metal-backed tape or mastic sealant (not standard duct tape) to seal any leaks you find.
6. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat lets you automatically raise the temperature when you're away and cool things down before you return. Smart thermostats take this further, learning your habits and optimizing run times. Setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home and warmer when you're away can save up to 10% on cooling costs annually.
7. Use Ceiling Fans to Supplement Cooling
Ceiling fans don't actually cool rooms — they cool people by creating a wind-chill effect. Using ceiling fans allows you to raise your thermostat setting by about 4°F without any reduction in comfort. Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room to save energy.
8. Keep Heat-Generating Activities to Cooler Hours
Running your oven, dryer, or dishwasher during the hottest part of the day makes your air conditioner work harder. Try to do these activities in the early morning or evening. Consider grilling outdoors in summer to keep heat out of the kitchen entirely.
9. Close Blinds and Curtains During Peak Sun
Solar heat gain through windows can account for up to 30% of your cooling load. Close blinds, curtains, or shades on south- and west-facing windows during the sunniest hours of the day. Consider installing reflective window film for even better heat rejection.
10. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
While DIY maintenance goes a long way, an annual professional inspection catches issues you might miss — refrigerant levels, electrical connections, motor wear, and thermostat calibration. Schedule your tune-up in late spring before the summer rush, when HVAC companies are busiest and wait times are longest.
Know When to Call a Pro
If you notice any of these warning signs, don't wait — call a licensed HVAC technician:
"The best time to address HVAC issues is before they become emergencies," Reynolds adds. "A $100 tune-up in June is a lot better than a $2,000 compressor replacement in August when the temperature is 100 degrees and every HVAC company is booked solid for three weeks."
At Insight Inspection Services, our comprehensive home inspections always include a thorough evaluation of your HVAC system's condition, performance, and remaining lifespan. Whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining your home, we help you stay cool with confidence all summer long.
Contact us today to schedule your home inspection or learn more about our services.
(BPT) - As we begin a new year, we head into the heart of winter where there is an increased likelihood of severe weather that can cause damage to your home and property.
"When winter weather strikes, the main risks to your home can be water leaks, loss of heat and power outages,” said Sarah Dillingham, senior meteorologist at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. “Don’t let cold weather take you by surprise; simple actions today can prevent large problems down the line.”
To make sure your home is adequately protected from damage often caused by cold temperatures, heavy rain, wind, snow and ice, follow IBHS guidance to take the worry out of winter weather.
Keep water out
Your home's roof is the first line of defense against severe weather. Start here, ensuring the roof, gutters and downspouts of your home are well maintained and clear of debris. This will allow water to freely run off the building and reduce the chance of leaking that can lead to costly interior water damage.
Homes in southern regions likely have pipes located near exterior walls. Insulating or wrapping plumbing, including outdoor plumbing like water spigots, reduces the chance of pipes freezing and bursting.
Keep warmth in
In 2021, Central Texas was hit with a damaging winter storm with long-duration extreme cold that left communities powerless for days. Indoor temperatures quickly dropped to dangerous levels. Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm. Ahead of freezing temperatures, check attic insulation to ensure that it is still sufficient. You can also seal gaps and cracks that allow heat to escape by caulking around windows and adding weather-stripping around external doors.
Make sure to set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the interior of your home remains warm enough to keep pipes from freezing, even when you aren't at home. And on particularly cold days, or if you experience a power outage, open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes that are next to exterior walls and let faucets drip to help prevent freezing.
To be prepared in case of an emergency, make sure that all adults in the household know where and how to shut off the water to your home in the event a pipe bursts. This can help limit water damage in your home.
Keep track
Create an inventory by taking photos and videos of the items in your home, including furniture, electronics and personal items. Store your home inventory in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere. This will make filing an insurance claim easier if you do experience damage due to a winter-related event.
"One bad weather day can result in significant damage to your home that can take months to repair," added Dillingham. "We can’t stop the harsh winter weather, but we can prepare and strengthen our homes to defend against it."
For more science-backed actions to protect your home from winter
weather, check out the full
Winter Ready guide
from IBHS, along with easy-to-follow downloadable checklists.
(BPT) - As highly fluctuating temperatures become the new seasonal norm, homeowners begin to seek optimal HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) performance ahead of winter conditions.
Many homeowners may be surprised to learn their HVAC system should be inspected yearly, as HVAC maintenance is a crucial to-do in order to maintain efficient heating and cooling, prevent costly breakdowns, and ensure consistent indoor comfort.
Navigating the HVAC industry can be perplexing, with its unfamiliar acronyms and specialized jargon. When homeowners better understand HVAC-industry key words, it aids in confident purchasing decisions, and also helps homeowners to better communicate with contractors.
The following is a list of commonly used HVAC-industry terms that
homeowners can benefit from knowing.
1. A2L/Refrigerant: Refrigerant is the liquid used to absorb and transfer heat from one part of the home comfort system to another. It's important that refrigerant levels be properly maintained — neither too high nor too low. Newer to use within the U.S. air conditioning sector, A2L is a group of refrigerants with a lower toxicity and flammability rating compared to A2 or A3 refrigerants. A2Ls have emerged as a replacement for older, high-impact refrigerants. It is anticipated that A2L refrigerants will be required in 2025.
2. Air Handler: An air handler is the part of an HVAC system that circulates conditioned air throughout the home.
3. Furnace: A furnace heats the inside of a home. It uses natural or liquified petroleum (LP) gas, instead of refrigerant, to heat the air inside the home.
4. BTU: British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Understanding BTU allows homeowners to determine the heating or cooling capacity required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, ensuring the HVAC system is adequately sized for the living space.
5. Condensing Unit: Condensing units are found outside of the home. The unit is connected to the indoor unit, either an air conditioner or heat pump, with tubing to carry refrigerant, which is used to transfer heat. To cool your home, a condenser removes heat from indoor air. To heat your home, it brings natural warmth from outdoor air inside your home. A heat pump can also heat your home.
6. Ratings: The higher the following ratings, the more efficient the unit.
7. Residential Packaged Unit: Equipment in which all heating and cooling components are located in one cabinet. Installed either beside or on top of a home or business.
8. Split System: A home comfort system that uses an indoor and an outdoor component to deliver comfortable air to a living environment. This may involve a combination of elements such as the following: a condensing unit located outside, air handler or furnace positioned indoors. In the case of a system incorporating a gas furnace, an evaporator coil inside the home is also utilized.
9. Stage Systems: HVAC systems designed with various operational stages, including single-stage (on/off), two-stage (two levels of heating or cooling capacity), or multi-stage (variable speed) configurations, enabling them to adjust heating or cooling output to meet comfort preferences while maximizing energy efficiency in diverse conditions.
10. Zone/Zoning: A home may be divided into several different areas, or zones, to better control the temperature. The process of dividing a home into different zones is called zoning.
With basic terminology top of mind, homeowners can seek better optimization of HVAC system performance. Ask questions and gain clarity from trusted contractors. Effective communication with these experts holds the key to precise assessments, improved energy efficiency, and adherence to safety and compliance standards.
Rheem, an innovator in manufacturing HVAC equipment, offers Rheem Pro Partners who are contractors that are well-equipped with resources to provide professional advice and assistance to homeowners throughout the process. Trusted HVAC contractors, like Pro Partners, can ensure customers find the perfect solution for home comfort needs. Additionally, a well-trained contractor should be able to update and inform about cost savings, rebates and energy efficiencies.
It's not merely about terminology; it's about increasing the homeowner’s confidence as they create a comfortable, efficient and safe home environment for their family.
