3 Home Maintenance Tips For Riverside Summers

In summer, your biggest worry should be about cooking enough food for your summer party, and not how to repair a rotted deck or a busted appliance. Prevention is the key to summer home maintenance in Riverside. By inspecting and resolving little issues you see, you can prevent larger, more expensive problems in the future. Here’s 3 summer home maintenance tips that help you stay in control of your house’s maintenance before larger problems happen.

1. Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Summer is a great time in Riverside to increase your home’s energy efficiency in order to keep the heat out and your energy bills low. Start by inspecting your windows and doors for leaks that let air through. Add weatherstripping to doors or replace broken weatherstripping if you feel air passing through. Check your windows’ caulking for any cracks or missing pieces and replace it as needed.

You can also lower 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 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. Enhance Your Patios And Decks

If you’re planning on throwing parties on your porch or patio during the summer, check that it’s in the best shape for guests. Begin by checking your patio or deck for safety. Look around to see if there are any stairs, supports, or boards that should be replaced because they’re rotting or broken. Then stain or seal your deck and patio to give it a new look and protect it from the bright summer sun and rain.

Once you’ve replaced any soft boards and areas and stained your patio, it’s time for the fun part: dressing it up. You can add interest to the windows and doors attached to your porch and patio by installing window treatments such as plantation shutters for your french door or sliding doors or sidelight shutters. Then make your porch or patio a haven by bringing in stylish patio furniture or perhaps even a fire pit. Finally, landscape the area around your patio or porch to cheer up the space.

3. Maintain Large Appliances

Broken or leaky appliances can put a damper on your summer plans. Here’s a list of things to watch out for with your major appliances to keep them humming along:

● Refrigerator. Clogged refrigerator coils can raise your electric bill since your fridge needs to work harder. It’s easy to unclog them by vacuuming them. Unplug 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 deodorize it and give it a deep clean by running a cycle with a cup of vinegar. Finally, empty and clean 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. Replace the hoses if needed. You should clean your dryer hose and exterior vent annually or have a professional do the job.

Have An Enjoyable Summer

By keeping on top of your home and appliances, you’ll be able to have a relaxing summer. If you’re interested in giving your house a beautiful look this year with window treatments for your patios, living rooms, or kitchen, check out our idea gallery and then call us for a free in-home consultation at 951-517-3030. We’ll show you all your window treatment options in Riverside and do all the measuring, work, and installation so you can relax and have a pleasant summer.