Summer is here and, in the Midwest, that means smoldering heat, unbearable humidity, and storms that brew out of nowhere. Since the summer weather is so unpredictable, we want to help you make sure your home and all parts associated with it run efficiently this season.
Insulation
It’s important to check your home’s insulation at least once a year. Many homeowners don’t realize that improper insulation allows the cool air inside your home to escape. What this means is that your air conditioner will run and run and run - costing you an arm and a leg in cooling costs. Properly insulating your home will certainly lower your monthly bill. We’ve heard of some folks seeing a 15 percent price drop, just from having good insulation. Not sure where to go for this service? Fischer Lumber offers AttiCat Blown-In Insulation. Your home will be cooler in the summer, and your attic’s humidity will be minimal, reducing the odds of mold growth throughout your home.
AC Filters
Make sure you change out your air filters every month, although going up to three months is okay. Not only will this keep your unit running more efficiently, but a clean filter means clean air is running through it. This is critical to individuals who suffer from pet dander, seasonal allergies, dust mites, etc. Maintaining a clean air filter will certainly help reduce the unwelcome symptoms that follow these allergens. And again, you don’t need to fret if you miss a month of filter changes. It might help to put a recurring 60-day reminder on your calendar or mobile device to keep you on track.
BBQ Grill
We are willing to guess that you’re barbequing pretty regularly this summer. That’s great - so are we! But at some point, make sure to give your grill and its utensils a thorough, deep clean. Sure, some people think BBQ tastes better when it comes off of seasoned grates, but not everyone wants a burger to come off a grill that has pieces of hotdog burned to it. On a day when BBQ isn’t on the menu, take some time to clean it up. Liquid grill cleaner works well for the grates, burners, and the cover. Also, keep an eye on your propane tank if you have a gas grill. Nothing would be worse than inviting friends over for some ribs, only to find that your tank is empty.
Driveway and Sidewalk
Do you have frequent summer activities on your driveway and sidewalks? Things like kids shooting hoops, drawing with sidewalk chalk, washing cars, bikes, etc.? If so, you’ll want to keep an eye on any cracks that might show up. It’s never any fun when you stub your toe walking across your driveway because of fractured concrete or your toddler trips and falls because of it. You can make simple repairs by filling the cracks with concrete repair caulk or asphalt crack sealer. After plenty of drying time has passed, break out a pressure washer so both your driveway and sidewalks look like new this summer.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Fischer Lumber will help you find everything you need to ensure your home can withstand some fun this summer. For the tools and/or expertise needed to tackle these projects, call us at 618-259-7434 or visit us at 210 N. Shamrock Street in East Alton.