3 Home Maintenance Tips For Minneapolis Summers

During the summer, your biggest concern should be about having enough food for your barbecue, and not how to repair a rotted deck or a leaky appliance. The key to summer home maintenance in Minneapolis is prevention. By inspecting and fixing little issues you see, you can guard against bigger, more expensive projects going forward. Here’s 3 home maintenance tips for summer that help you remain in control of your house’s maintenance before big problems happen.

1. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Summer is the perfect time in Minneapolis to work on your home’s energy efficiency in order to keep your home cool and your utility bills low. The first thing you should do is check your windows and doors for air leaks. Put weatherstripping on doors or replace broken weatherstripping if you feel air passing through. Inspect your windows’ caulking for any cracks or leaks and replace it if needed.

Putting up energy efficient window treatments like plantation shutters is another way to lower your energy bill - and potentially qualify for a tax credit. Polywood® faux wood plantation shutters lower 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 many homes currently use.

2. Enhance Your Patios And Porches

If you’re planning on throwing parties on your patio or deck during the summer, make sure it’s in tip-top shape for all your guests. Begin by inspecting your deck or patio for safety. See if there are any boards, supports, or steps that need to be replaced because they’re soft and rotted. Then stain or seal your patio and deck to give it a fresh look and shield it from the summer sun and rain.

Once you’ve fixed any soft boards and areas and stained your patio, you’re ready for the fun part - making it shine. Make your doors and windows attached to your porch and patio more interesting by using 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 your favorite patio furniture or maybe even a fire pit. The last step is to landscape the area around your porch or patio to cheer up the space.

3. Maintain Large Appliances

Appliances that are broken or leak can put a stop to your summer plans. Here’s a list of things to check for with your major appliances to keep them humming along:

● Refrigerator. Clogged refrigerator coils can increase your energy bill by making your fridge work harder. It’s easy to vacuum them out. Begin 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. Inspect your dishwasher for any backed up water or leaks. Then deodorize it and give it a deep clean by adding a cup of vinegar to a cycle. Finally, empty and clean the filter (located under the spray arms in most dishwashers) with soap and water.

● Washer and dryer. Inspect your washing machine hoses for any bulges, cracks, or leaks. If necessary, replace the hoses. Once a year, you should clean your dryer hose and exterior vent or hire a professional to do the job.

Have An Enjoyable 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 fresh look this summer with window treatments for your patios, dining rooms, or living rooms, browse through our idea gallery and then give us a ring for a free in-home consultation at 952-856-8130. We’ll show you all your window treatment options in Minneapolis and do all the work and installation so you can just relax and enjoy your summer.