With the official start of summer, it is the perfect time to tackle those seasonal home maintenance tasks. Prioritize tasks that will make your summer more enjoyable or those that are best done before the heat sets in. Get ahead of the game and make the most of the season by focusing your energy on these tasks.
Battle the Mosquitos
Enjoying a meal outdoors can quickly turn unbearable when mosquitoes invade. Burning candles may offer some relief, but only if you are lucky to sit in the smoke. Bug spray is an option, but the odor can be unpleasant and who wants to wear pesticide to dinner? However, there is an almost foolproof solution that works wonders: installing a fan above or beside your outside dining area. Mosquitoes tend to avoid flying in strong winds, so if you and your guests are in the path of the breeze, you are in good shape. Be sure to use an outdoor-rated fan if you are installing it on a permanent dining porch or other structure. Eradicating mosquito breeding grounds helps curb their population. Standing water is where mosquitoes lay their eggs, so be sure to clear any buckets, toys, or plastic tarps around your space. If you must have standing water, such as a birdbath, refresh it every five days to disrupt the mosquito lifecycle.
Feel the Breeze
Did you know that ceiling fans can be used to keep you cool even indoors? If you're still using your fan in the wintertime mode, it's time to switch it up! Change the direction of the blades so that they push air downwards when you’re standing directly underneath. It's an easy process - most fans have a button on the remote or switch to do it. If you have an older fan, you might need to use a step stool or a ladder to reach a switch on the fan itself.
Using a ceiling fan can save a lot on your electricity bill. But it's important to adjust the thermostat as well so the air conditioner switches on at a higher temperature. Be sure to use energy-efficient lights (if your fan includes them) and turn the fan off when no one is in the room. While ceiling fans cool people by helping sweat evaporate, the air temperature does not actually change. So, leaving the fan running when no one is around just wastes electricity and adds the motor and lightbulb heat to the room.
If you're in the market for a new ceiling fan, be sure to purchase one with an Energy Star rating. They move air more efficiently than other models, so you'll be cooler and save even more on your electricity bill.
Tidy up the Garage
Clear out clutter and spruce up your living space by taking some time to sort through boxes and eliminate any dirt that accumulated during the winter months. But don't just randomly divide items into piles anymore. Enhance the efficiency of your decluttering process by creating more specified categories. Label boxes for things that your friends might find helpful, items you plan to donate to a thrift shop or a local Freecycle group, and those you might sell. Streamline your decluttering process and make a difference in your community.
Purge any Toxic Materials
Do you have old containers of finishes, pesticides, or other chemicals lingering in the back of your garage? If you don't plan on using them, it's best to get rid of them properly. Luckily, your local household hazardous waste program can help. The Environmental Protection Agency provides links for programs in every state, and most state webpages offer a search tool to help you find a program close to your home. For advice on recycling or disposing of specific items, simply search for "household hazardous waste" on Earth911.com or call 800-CLEANUP (800-253-2687).
Deal with Ice
Summer is ice season, but is your freezer up to the challenge? Keep your ice and water tasting great by maintaining your ice maker with these easy cleaning and filter replacement tips from GE Appliances. Before starting, make sure to unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the circuit breaker. For cleaning, use a little hand dishwashing soap and water mixed together to wipe the ice chute and crevices clean. Soak mineral deposits in undiluted vinegar if necessary. Changing the filter is a breeze once you locate it and find the right replacement; search online for your refrigerator model's manual or check the old filter label. Finally, keep your ice tasting fresh by storing it in sealed containers and covering food before storing to minimize odor transfer.
Take Care of the Weeds Keeping a weed-free yard is important for both aesthetic and safety reasons in many communities. Not only can tall, dry weeds become a fire hazard, but their seeds can easily spread and create more weeds. While permanently removing weeds can be difficult due to their adaptability, there are several effective options to control them. Pulling them out by the roots or using a flame-throwing burner or herbicide are all possibilities, but for a faster and more eco-friendly approach, mowing or using a strong trimmer is recommended. Follow up with repeat treatments or add a layer of wood chips or cardboard to shade out weed growth and keep soil moist. While some stubborn weeds may still emerge, they will be easy to remove thanks to the mulch layer.
Test Your Outlets
Ensure your safety before using outdoor electrical appliances like electric weed cutters or barbecues. Take a moment to test the ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on your outdoor outlets, as well as those in the basement, garage, bathrooms, and kitchen. Simply plug in a night light or other lamp and turn it on, then press the “test” button on the GFCI. If the GFCI is working correctly, the “reset” button should pop out and the light should turn off. Press “reset” to restore power to the outlet.
If the reset button does not pop out, it’s time to replace the GFCI (but remember to turn off the circuit breaker or call an electrician). If the reset button pops out but the light stays on, your GFCI isn’t properly wired, and an electrician can help you fix it. Stay safe and take the time to test your GFCIs before using any outdoor electrical appliances.
