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Investments in residential remodeling will increase by 4.9 percent over the course of the year, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Many of these projects take place in temperate weather — so outdoor tasks are easier — but before it gets too hot.
Which home improvement projects you decide to take on depends on your unique situation. However, there are specific options that are worth exploring, especially if some maintenance has fallen by the wayside.
1. Air Conditioner Servicing
Having your air conditioner serviced before summer really heats up is a smart choice. After all, if your air conditioning goes out during scorching temperatures, you’re going to get uncomfortable quickly.
Ideally, you should have your air conditioner inspected, cleaned and serviced every year.
This ensures optimal efficiency, which can keep your utility costs down, and gives you a chance to address problems before they become catastrophic.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Many homeowners only think to clean their gutters and downspouts in the fall. However, if you live near flowering trees, falling petals can also cause clogs.
Begin by inspecting your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are firmly attached to your home and fill any gaps with silicone-based caulk.
Then, gather debris out of the gutters and check the base of the downspouts for obstructions. Remove any built up material to ensure water can flow through with ease.
3. Maintain Sprinklers
If you have sprinklers, now is the ideal time for some maintenance. Passing over sprinkler heads with a lawnmower or weed trimmer might cause breakage, so you want to examine them all closely.
Check the sprinkler heads for broken ones that need replacement. Take care of that now so they’ll all be working when you need them most.
You can also clean out clogged sprinkler heads. Just remove the head and basket and rinse both thoroughly with clean water. Then, simply reattach them.
4. Replace Your Thermostat
Installing higher-tech thermostat — also known as a smart thermostat — before summer can be a wise move. Programmable options can help you save big on utility costs, especially if you adjust the temperature for when you’re not at home.
During the summer months, increasing the inside temperature by 7 to 10 degrees when you’re away can result in a savings of around 10 percent.
If you invest in a programmable model, you can set it and forget it. Just choose a higher temperature for when you leave for work and select a cooler one for right before you arrive back home.
Many smart thermostats connect to your home Wi-Fi network. Then, you can access it through an app, giving you the ability to make changes even when you’re away.
5. Clean Dryer Vents
Debris lingering in dryer vents create fire hazards. Nearly 3,000 dryer-related fires occur each year, resulting in a total of $35 million in property loss. Failing to clean the dryer is the leading cause of these fires, accounting for about 34 percent of them.
When you clean your dryer, you need to look beyond the lint trap: The vents in the back can also clog, so check those as well. Additionally, examine your dryer hose and remove any buildup from there as well.
If your dryer hose is damaged, purchase a replacement. Usually, you can find one for just $10. Plus, the replacement process is easy and usually only requires a few basic hand tools to do it right.
Ready Your Home for Summer
All of the summer home improvement projects mentioned above are fairly simple and generally inexpensive, putting them well within reach for most homeowners.
Ideally, you should consider handling them all, ensuring that your house is as ready for the summer as you are.
Have you recently completed any summer home improvement projects? Tell us about them in the comments section beneath this post.
Read More
Looking for more great home improvement articles? Give these a try:
- Over 50 Percent of Homeowners To Spend on Home Improvements in 2018
- 4 Factors to Consider When Doing Home Improvements
- Personal Loans for Home Improvement: What You Need to Know
- 5 Ways to Finance a Remodel
- Home Improvement Spending On The Rise
- Financial Options for Funding Your Next Home Renovation
- 20 Inexpensive Ways to Spruce Up Your Home
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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