3 Home Maintenance Tips For Boise Summers
During the summer, your biggest concern should be about having enough food for your deck party, and not how to repair a rotted deck or a broken appliance. The key to summer home maintenance in Boise is prevention. By inspecting and resolving small problems you discover, you can avoid larger, more expensive projects in the future. Here’s 3 summer home maintenance tips that help you stay in control of your house’s maintenance before larger problems occur.
1. Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Summer is the perfect time in Boise to work on your home’s energy efficiency so that you can keep your home cool and lower your utility bills. Begin by checking your doors and windows for leaks that let air in. Put weatherstripping on doors or replace cracked weatherstripping if you feel air leaking through. Check your windows’ caulking for any missing pieces or cracks and replace the cracked sections.
You can also reduce your energy bill by using an energy efficient window treatment like plantation shutters - and potentially qualify for a tax credit. Polywood® faux wood plantation shutters lower the transfer of air through the glass in your windows. They’re 70% more energy efficient than normal wooden shutters and 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds which many homes currently use.
2. Brighten Up Your Patios And Porches
If you’re planning on barbecuing on your patio or porch this summer, check that it’s prepared for guests. First, check your deck or patio for safety. Look around to see if there are any stairs, supports, or boards that need replacing because they’re soft and rotted. Then seal or stain your patio and deck to give it a new look and guard it against the hot summer sun and rain.
After you’ve replaced or repaired any soft boards and areas and sealed your patio, it’s time to make it shine. Make your doors and windows attached to your porch and patio more interesting by installing window treatments like sidelight shutters or plantation shutters for your sliding door or french doors. Then make your porch or patio a haven by bringing in stylish patio furniture or perhaps even a fire pit. Landscape around your patio or porch to cheer up the space.
3. Maintain Large Appliances
Appliances that break down can disrupt your fun summer plans. Here’s a few things to do to maintain your major appliances and keep them running smoothly:
● Refrigerator. Clogged refrigerator coils can raise your electric bill since your fridge needs to work harder. It’s easy to clean and vacuum them out. Start by unplugging your refrigerator and then use the crevice tool on your vacuum (or a coil cleaning brush attachment) to vacuum out the coils.
● Dishwasher. Inspect your dishwasher for any backed up water or leaks. Then deodorize it and give it a deep clean by running a cycle with a cup of vinegar. You’ll also want to clean out the filter (located under the spray arms in most models) with soap and water.
● Washer and dryer. Check your washing machine hoses for any cracks, leaks, or bulges. If needed, replace the hoses. Once a year, you should clear out your dryer hose and exterior vent or have a professional do the job.
Have A Fun Summer
By keeping on top of your home and appliances, you can enjoy a carefree summer. If you’re interested in giving your home a beautiful look this year with window treatments for your patios, living rooms, or kitchen, browse through our idea gallery and then call us for a free in-home consultation at 208-609-9129. We’ll walk you through all your window treatment options in Boise and do all the measuring, work, and installation so you can just relax and enjoy your summer.
