Things Are Heating Up This Summer!
Summer Home Maintenance Reminders
Summertime is here and that means fun time in the sun. Summer is also the season for higher electrical costs. Following are inexpensive energy-saving ideas. The Home Safety Council dedicates the month of June – Home Safety Month – to educate and empower both families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe. Standard summertime maintenance & safety suggestions:- Replace air conditioner filters monthly for maximum benefit.
- Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
- Install a whole house fan in your attic.
- Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs, and vines to shade your home.
- Leaking ductwork accounts for 25% of cooling costs in an average home; have your ducts tested for leaks and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor.
- Increase attic insulation: If existing insulation level is R-19 or less, consider insulating your attic to at least R-30.
- Lock poisons, cleaners, medications, and all dangerous items in a place where children and pets cannot reach them.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and check to make sure your smoke alarms are working.
- Build a shed with a lock for storing your lawn equipment, gasoline, pesticides, and pool and/or spa chemicals.
- Install a fence around your pool and/or spa with a locking gate.
- Keep your hot water at or below 120 degrees F to prevent burns.
ANDY’s Helpful Tips!
Tips for Improving Curb Appeal With simple improvements, you can easily transform your home into the best-looking house on the block. IN JUST A DAY There are several quick fixes you can complete in just one day that will make a big impact on your exterior.- Make over your mailbox. Restore your existing mailbox with a fresh coat of paint or stain that matches the trim, color, and woodwork of your house.
- Tame planter beds and landscaping. Add a fresh layer of mulch and your yard will look as good as new.
- Illuminate your walkway. If you do not have a walkway, string accent lighting in the trees for a whimsical-looking effect.
- Freshen up the front door. A good cleaning or a bright new layer of paint can do wonders. If your door is beyond repair, consider installing a new one.
- Renew paint and trim. Give your home an exterior facelift by adding a new coat of paint or stain.
- Replace gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are loose and worn out, not only do they look neglected, but they are also a danger to guests.
- Add shutters or accent trim. To mirror the pulled-together appearance of your indoor rooms, install shutters and trim to the exterior.
Energy Efficiency
The summer season generally means hot days, but there are ways in which we can stay cool and make our lives a little more energy efficient.- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. Always consider health considerations and be sure to drink plenty of fluids in warm weather.
- Regularly check toilets, pipes and faucets for leaks and repair them immediately. One small leak can waste thousands of liters of water per year and cost a bundle.
- Your microwave is more energy efficient than your stove using two-thirds less energy.
- Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand and let your dishes air dry to save even more.
- Keeping a full fridge can help keep your fridge cool as the food keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open.
- Clean the lint filter after every dryer load and clean the exhaust duct every year to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
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