3 Home Maintenance Tips For Charlotte Summers

In summer, your biggest concern should be about cooking enough food for your barbecue, and not how to deal with sky high utility bills, a rotted deck, or a busted appliance. Preventing problems before they happen is the key to summer home maintenance in Charlotte. By inspecting and fixing small problems, you can prevent bigger, more expensive problems going forward. Here’s 3 home maintenance tips for summer that will keep you on top of your house’s maintenance before larger problems happen.

1. Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Summer is the perfect time in Charlotte to make your home more energy efficient in order to keep your home cool and lower your utility bills. Begin by inspecting your windows and doors for leaks that let air through. Add weatherstripping to doors or replace old weatherstripping if you feel air coming through. Check your windows’ caulking for any cracks or leaks and replace the broken sections.

You can also lower your utility bill by purchasing an energy efficient window treatment like plantation shutters - and perhaps even qualify for a tax credit. Polywood® faux wood plantation shutters minimize air transfer through your window’s glass. They’re 70% more energy efficient than normal wooden shutters and 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds which are found in many homes.

2. Brighten Up Your Patios And Porches

If you’re planning on entertaining on your patio or porch this summer, check that it’s prepared for guests. Start by inspecting your patio or deck for safety. Look around to see if there are any boards, supports, or steps that should be replaced because they’re rotting or broken. Then stain or seal your patio and deck to make it look like new again and guard it against the relentless summer sun and rain.

Once you’ve replaced any broken boards and areas and stained your patio, it’s time to make it shine. You can add interest to the windows and doors adjacent to your patio and porch by installing window treatments like plantation shutters for your sliding door or french doors or sidelight shutters. Then make your porch or patio a haven by bringing in new patio furniture or maybe even a fire pit. Finally, landscape around your porch or patio to bring nature into the space.

3. Maintain Large Appliances

Broken or leaky appliances can disrupt your summer activities. Here’s a few things to watch out for with your major appliances to keep them running smoothly:

● Refrigerator. Clogged refrigerator coils make your fridge work harder and increase your electric bill. It’s easy to clean and vacuum them out. Begin 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. Check your dishwasher for any backed up water or leaks. Then deep clean and deodorize it by running a cycle with a cup of vinegar. The last step is to clean out the filter (located underneath the spray arms in most models) with soap and water.

● Washer and dryer. Check your washing machine hoses for any bulges, cracks, or leaks. Replace the hoses if needed. Once a year, you should clean your dryer hose and exterior vent or pay a professional to do the job.

Enjoy Your Summer

By maintaining your home and appliances, you can have a relaxing summer. If you’re interested in giving your house a fresh look this season with window treatments for your patios, kitchens, or bedrooms, browse through our idea gallery and then contact us for a free in-home consultation at 980-231-1116. We’ll show you all your window treatment options in Charlotte and do all the work and installation so you can just relax and enjoy your summer.