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Summer Maintenance Hacks That Can Save You Money
While summer is a favorite time of year for many homeowners, it's also a season that requires a significant amount of home maintenance. Lawncare, cooling, and regular gutter cleaning costs can add up fast, and keeping up with all of the work can be challenging.
While we'd all rather be grilling or lying around on the beach this summer, home maintenance is a necessary part of homeownership. The good news is our real estate agents have become pros at saving money on summer maintenance costs. Here is a quick list of ways we save time and money every year:
- Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
One of the best and easiest ways to reduce cooling costs this summer is by investing in a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set up temperatures on a schedule. This way, you can create a temperature schedule that matches your life style (ie: your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard during the day when you're not home). Smart thermostats also allow you to control the temperature from your phone. By optimizing your home's temperature throughout the day, you can easily reduce your electric bill. - Add Insulation
Summer is a great time to evaluate your home's insulation. Do a quick audit of the insulation levels in your attic and replace if necessary. Also, check out your windows and doors and re-caulk as needed. The goal is to try to prevent cool air from leaving your home. If you have the time and budget, upgrading to energy-efficient windows can make a big difference. Some of these amazing Nassau County homes for sale have energy-efficient doors and windows. - Clean or Change Your AC Filter
It doesn't take long for AC filters to get dirty during the summertime. Keep an eye on your filter and clean it every two weeks. Simply remove it from the unit and gently wipe it down with warm water. Make sure you let it dry before putting it back into the unit. A clean filter allows your AC unit to function much more efficiently. - Service Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to reduce cooling costs. Make sure to clean any dust off the top of the fans in order to keep them functioning well. You can also adjust your fans to spin counterclockwise, which will help drive airflow downwards and keep cooler air moving down towards the floor. - Install Gutter Guards
Cleaning gutters can be a bi-weekly activity in the summer. Every time a strong storm rolls through, your gutters likely accumulate a good bit of debris. Gutter guards are a great way to keep branches and leaves out of your gutters and can reduce the amount of time and money spent on cleaning. Some of our favorite Suffolk County homes for sale have gutter guards in place.
By following these tips, you can keep your home running efficiently all summer long. Contact us today to explore Long Island listings.