3 Home Maintenance Tips For Philadelphia Summers
In summer, your biggest concern should be about how many guests are coming to your barbecue, and not how to repair a rotted deck or a busted appliance. The key to summer home maintenance in Philadelphia is prevention. When you inspect and fix small issues, you can avoid larger, more expensive problems in the future. Here’s 3 summer home maintenance tips that keep you in control of your home’s maintenance before larger problems start.
1. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Summer is one of the best times in Philadelphia to make your home more energy efficient in order to keep the heat out and your utility bills low. Begin by inspecting your windows and doors for air leaks. Put weatherstripping on doors or replace cracked weatherstripping if you feel air leaking through. Inspect your windows’ caulking for any cracks or missing pieces and replace it if needed.
You can also reduce your utility bill by using an energy efficient window treatment like plantation shutters - and perhaps even qualify for a tax credit. Polywood® faux wood plantation shutters lower air transfer through your windows. They’re 70% more energy efficient than traditional wooden shutters and 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds which are found in many homes.
2. Brighten Up Your Porches And Patios
If you want to host parties on your patio or deck this summer, check that it’s in the best shape for your guests. Begin by inspecting your patio or deck for safety. See if there are any supports, boards, or stairs that need to be replaced because they’re broken or rotting. Then stain or seal your patio and deck to make it look like new again and shield it from the hot summer sun and rain.
Once you’ve fixed any damaged boards and areas and sealed your patio, you’re ready for the fun part - making it shine. Make your doors and windows attached to your deck and porch more interesting by using window treatments such as sidelight shutters or plantation shutters for your french door or sliding doors. Then enhance your porch and patio with new patio furniture or perhaps even a fire pit. Landscape the area around your porch or patio to bring in color.
3. Maintain Large Appliances
Appliances that break down can disrupt your fun summer activities. Here’s a few things to watch out for with your major appliances to keep them humming along:
● Refrigerator. Clogged refrigerator coils make your fridge work harder and raise your electric bill. It’s easy to clean and vacuum them out. Start by unplugging your refrigerator and then use your vacuum’s crevice tool (or a coil cleaning brush attachment) to vacuum out and unclog the coils.
● Dishwasher. Check your dishwasher for any backed up water or leaks. Then deep clean and deodorize it by adding a cup of vinegar to a cycle. The last step is to empty and clean the filter (which is underneath the spray arms in most models) with soap and water.
● Washer and dryer. Check your washing machine hoses for any cracks, leaks, or bulges. Replace the hoses if needed. Once a year, you should clear out your dryer hose and exterior vent or have a professional do the job.
Enjoy Your Summer
By keeping on top of your home and appliances, you can enjoy a relaxing summer. If you want to give your house a beautiful look this year with window treatments for your patios, kitchens, or bedrooms, check out our idea gallery and then call us for a free in-home consultation at 215-874-4897. We’ll show you all your window treatment options in Philadelphia and do all the measuring, work, and installation so you can sit back and enjoy your summer.
