Summer Home Blunders to Avoid - Alternative Approaches for Maintaining Your Home Correctly
## Six Common Home Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid During Summer
Summer is a time for outdoor activities and enjoying the warmth, but it also presents unique challenges for home maintenance. By avoiding common mistakes, homeowners can prevent costly repairs and ensure their homes remain comfortable and safe. Here are six common mistakes to avoid and how to address them correctly:
### 1. Overwatering or Underwatering Your Lawn - **Mistake**: Incorrect watering leads to root damage or fungal growth. - **Solution**: Check soil moisture before watering. Use mulch to retain moisture and water early in the morning to minimize evaporation[1].
### 2. Neglecting Tree Maintenance - **Mistake**: Overgrown branches near the house can cause damage during storms. - **Solution**: Trim branches leaning towards the house. Inspect trees for instability and consult professionals if necessary[1].
### 3. Ignoring HVAC Maintenance - **Mistake**: Dirty filters increase energy bills and reduce system efficiency. - **Solution**: Change air filters regularly to improve airflow, health, and efficiency. Check for refrigerant leaks and clean condenser coils[1][5].
### 4. Failing to Inspect Plumbing - **Mistake**: Mineral buildup in faucets and showerheads can lead to poor water pressure and mold. - **Solution**: Clean faucet aerators and showerheads by soaking them in vinegar and gently scrubbing with a brush. Regularly inspect for leaks under sinks and around toilets[3].
### 5. Neglecting Exterior Home Inspections - **Mistake**: Missing signs of exterior damage can lead to costly repairs. - **Solution**: Monthly inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles, check the foundation for cracks, and ensure proper drainage[3].
### 6. Not Adjusting Ceiling Fans - **Mistake**: Incorrect fan direction can reduce cooling efficiency. - **Solution**: Set ceiling fans to turn clockwise in summer to improve airflow and reduce cooling costs[3].
By addressing these common mistakes, homeowners can ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable living environment during the summer months.
### Cleaning Tips
When cleaning the exterior of your home, it's important to check your brickwork, as pressure washing too high or freezing winters could mean it's time to repoint your brickwork[2]. Dry with another cloth or use a squeegee to prevent streaks from forming as the product evaporates.
For garbage cans, rinse them out with a hose, add a few squirts of dish soap, scrub with a long brush or a broom, rinse again, and let them dry in the sun. Cotter recommends a two-pack of odorless fabric spray for protecting patio furniture from the sun's UV rays. For wooden furniture, it's advised to reseal it every year with a UV-resistant protectant like Howard SWAX16 Outdoor Furniture Wax.
To protect outdoor furniture, Cotter recommends storing cushions indoors when not in use, covering them with a weatherproof tarp, or investing in a storage bench. Toner advises using the right nozzle and pressure setting, starting from a distance, and moving closer as needed while holding the nozzle at an angle to prevent water from seeping into cracks.
When cleaning windows, avoid cleaning them in direct sun, as this can result in streaks and waste effort due to quick evaporation of glass cleaner[2]. Instead, clean them early in the morning, very late afternoon, or on a cloudy day. Dry-wipe first with a microfiber cloth, then spray a commercial cleaner like Sprayway Glass Cleaner, wait a minute or two, and wipe away from side to side.
To combat mold and mildew growth in the bathroom, Ye recommends wiping down shower walls with a squeegee, scrubbing grout, and ventilating the bathroom well. For a deep clean, Ye also recommends RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray.
A popular pressure washer with a compact, portable design and powerful performance is recommended for summer cleaning tasks. An option for window cleaning is the 12-inch window squeegee, 11-inch microfiber scrubber, and three extension poles (totaling 53 inches) all-in-one kit. When cleaning patio furniture or other outdoor surfaces with a pressure washer, it's important to check the settings and use the gentlest effective spray to avoid stripping paint or damaging surfaces.
By following these cleaning tips and avoiding common maintenance mistakes, homeowners can keep their homes looking great and functioning efficiently throughout the summer.
[1] https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/air-conditioning-tips-summer [2] https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/yard-garden/6-summer-cleaning-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them [3] https://www.angieslist.com/articles/summer-home-maintenance-to-do-list.htm [4] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-garbage-cans-1412965 [5] https://www.energystar.gov/products/heating_cooling/air_conditioners/ac_maintenance
The homeowner should take care of their home-and-garden during summer to maintain a safe and comfortable lifestyle. For instance, inspecting the brickwork of the exterior house and repointing it if necessary can prevent damage from pressure washing or freezing winters. Furthermore, the homeowner should protect their outdoor furniture using UV-resistant protectants, cover cushions with weatherproof tarps, or store them indoors when not in use to enhance their lifestyle during summer.
