Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Summer is a time to enjoy sunny days and warm nights outside, but you’ll want your home and yard looking beautiful. High temperatures can also bring higher energy bills, so we’ve put together some of our favorite summer home maintenance tips to get you all ready for fun in the sun.
Summer Energy Saving Tips
- Set your thermostat as high as you comfortably can. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the less energy you will use.
- Do not set your thermostat lower to cool your house more quickly, as it will run up your energy bill.
- Use of ceiling fans may allow you to raise the thermostat up to 4 degrees while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
- Keep lamps and TVs away from your AC thermostat. The heat created by these appliances may mislead thermostat sensors and force your cooling system to run longer than necessary.
- Be sure that temperature sensors are cleared of dust regularly. Any buildup can cause it to run inefficiently.
- Avoid using your oven as much as possible during the summer months; grill outdoors or use the stove and microwave as alternatives.
- Efficient lighting will keep your house cooler.
- Make sure your water heater is set to warm (120 degrees) instead of hot. This will avoid scalding and save on energy bills.
- During times of the day when the sun is hottest, pull window treatments closed to block out warm rays.
- Have a professional inspect your AC unit before temperatures rise and maintain it by replacing filters every month. Using your AC more often could mean you have to replace your filter more frequently.
More Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Not all summer home tips are related to energy efficiency. There are plenty of other things you should think about when it comes to summer home maintenance. When the weather is warm it’s a perfect time to do chores around the house that are difficult to do when it’s cold out. Take a look at these home maintenance tips for the summer.
Clean Inside
Summer brings the heat. As you’ve seen from our earlier summer home maintenance tips, this means you’re probably going to be using your ceiling fans and air conditioner more often. The last thing you want is for dust to accompany the air blowing around your house. Give your home a good dusting, including fan blades and vents to prevent dust and allergens from filling the air.
Clean Outside
With less rain and clear skies it’s a perfect time to get outside and tidy your yard. After all, you’ll want the exterior of your house looking great for your summer barbeques and outdoor gatherings.
Check your driveway and walkways. If they look dirty and full of leaves or debris, consider renting a pressure washer from your local hardware store to give them a good power cleaning. You can also use the pressure washer to clean your home’s exterior. Give outdoor furniture a rinse, clear away cobwebs, and get ready to entertain!
Wash the Windows
With no rain or harsh, wet weather in sight, summer is an excellent time to wash your windows. Your average window cleaning spray is probably not going to do the trick. Grab a bucket of soapy water, a squidgy, and some towels to get your windows sparkling.
Clean the Pool
If you have a pool, your family is probably looking forward to using it this summer. Remember, the more use your pool gets, the more you have to clean it. To prep for summer pool time, try a few of these easy pool maintenance tips:
- Clear out leaves, bugs, and other debris with a skimmer.
- Check the pH level to make sure water stays clear and bacteria isn’t growing.
- Maintain water level.
- Brush the sides of the pool.
Clean the Grill
There isn’t much that says summer like good outdoor grilling. You won’t regret this summer home maintenance tip when you get to cook some of your favorite food outside. Once the season hits, make sure to scrub your grill and remove any dirt and food that may have accumulated.
Inspect Your House
Key among summer home tips, is inspecting the exterior of your house. Take advantage of the clear weather and bright sun by inspecting your home’s exterior. Look for cracks, rust, signs of water damage, and other issues that need attention. It’s best to get things fixed before the weather turns cold.
Also, check for small entry points, like holes and cracks, into your house. These could invite pests into your home. For more information, check out our guide on how to keep bugs and rodents away.
Check Hoses and Outdoor Plumbing
You’ll probably use hoses and outdoor water spigots more often as plants and grass around your home demand more water. Check your hoses, sprinkler system, and outdoor plumbing to make sure there aren’t any leaks.
Summer is a great time of year and by following these summer home maintenance tips you can enjoy it even more. If you want to learn more about HWA and how home warranties work, give us a call at 1-888-492-7359.
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