With help from our friends at The Home Depot, we’ve compiled this list of timely chores to keep your house clean and comfortable.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast, and follow along below, to learn all about the top summer home maintenance projects!
Changing the air conditioner filter makes your AC work better to keep you cooler. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
1. Change AC & Heating System Filters
Regularly changing your HVAC system’s filters is important because a dirty filter will slow down and strain your system. It should take about two to three minutes to take out your old filter and put in a new one.
Also, once your filter is out, go ahead and vacuum the cavity in case of dust build-up.
Your AC drain line can get blocked with mold and mildew, causing its pan to overflow. Flush it with bleach twice during the summer, when it’s working at its hardest.
3. Check for Loose Railings or Damage on Wooden Decks
Changing weather can take a toll on your deck. Nails and screws can loosen during the temperature change and splinters can pop up once the heat rises.
Inspect and repair any damage to your deck so you can have some safe fun in the sun. Top it off with a coat of sealer to keep it protected all summer long.
Check for any loose parts or rot (if it’s wood). If you have cushions, be sure to wash them. In addition, if your cushions get wet from rain, be sure to hang them out to dry on a sunny day to avoid mold.
If you do this on a regular basis, it makes it a lot easier to keep everything clean.
Your fireplace will be ready for winter if you have it inspected this summer. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
7. Have Chimney Inspected & Cleaned
Now’s a great time to have a professional inspect your fireplace and chimney because you aren’t using them during the summer.
Plus, you’ll have more time for repairs if needed.
Scrape off peeling paint and put on a fresh coat for an exterior refresh. (mehampson, Getty Images)
8. Scrape Loose Paint from Siding & Trim
Boost your home’s curb appeal by freshening up siding. Scrape away any loose paint, sand if needed, then prime and paint on a fresh coat.
If it’s an older paint, be sure to test it for lead as a precaution.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo to 1 gallon of water, or 1-1/2 cups of vinegar to 1 gallon of water, and wipe windows down with newspaper for a streak-free shine.
Involve family members and tag-team to speed things up! Have one person clean the windows inside while another cleans the outside.
Finally, summer blooms are burgeoning! Now is the perfect time to pull any weeds from garden beds and prevent further weed growth by adding 2 to 3 inches of mulch.
Listen to this special-edition Today’s Homeowner Podcast for more summer home maintenance tips!
A Bluetooth bathroom speaker fan can completely reshape your morning routine and make it more efficient.
You already have to turn on the vent fan while showering to reduce humidity and improve indoor air quality — why not enjoy relaxing music during a scrub-down? Plan your day? Check voicemail?
This newest addition to your smart home can do that and much more.
Jodi Marks, pictured with a ReVent Smartphone Connected fan, at The Home Depot.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The ReVent Smartphone Connected Fan includes a music control and works with Apple and Android phones. It has dual-microphone technology and is Bluetooth-connected — so it acts as your phone away from your phone!
Here are some other features:
Use Siri or Google Assistant to stream some tunes while you get ready for the day.
If someone calls while you’re shaving, easily answer it and talk through the smart speaker fan.
Wondering if you need to bring an umbrella with you? Ask about the weather while you’re getting ready.
Not sure if you have time to make an extra cup of coffee? Ask how long the drive to work is.
In addition to its convenience, don’t forget this Bluetooth bathroom speaker fan also improves your indoor air quality.
In fact, that’s its most important feature.
Ventilation in the bathroom is a must to keep moist air outside your home so mold and mildew won’t grow. This fan vents humid air quietly at just .8 sones — about the same level of noise as a kitchen refrigerator.
The designer shield cover adds a modern look and it’s easy to clean. Plus, it’s paintable, so you can customize it to match your bathroom style.
And you don’t have to climb into the attic to install it. Handle the job from inside the bathroom using ReVent’s Sheet Locks that attach directly to the ceiling drywall.
Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product!
Easily detach the crate from the wall rails to take any tools you need on the go.
Link Rolling Tool Box
Ever heard the phrase, “Messy bed, messy head?” The same applies to your garage. Having all your tools and equipment where you can find them is key to being productive.
The Ryobi Link Rolling Tool Box keeps all your tools and parts organized with its integrated accessory bit storage and a double organizer bin. No more digging to the bottom of the box to find the part you need!
It’s designed with impact-resistant material to handle the toughest of situations and protects your tools from water and dust.
This rolling toolbox has a wide, steel telescoping handle and nine-inch all-terrain wheels that support a 200-pound load capacity. You’ll be able to get all the materials you’ll need in one trip to the most rugged project sites.
This toolbox has secure locking points, tie-down anchors and impact-resistant latches so your tools are safe and sound.
Best of all, it is part of the Ryobi Link Modular Storage System, so it will seamlessly connect your stationary storage.
The Ryobi Link Modular Storage System can be configured any way you need it!
About the Ryobi Link Modular Storage System
The Ryobi Link Modular Storage System allows you to easily organize, access and transport the tools you need for your job. The interlocking modular pieces allow you to customize your storage space for optimum organization.
This storage system is available for purchase in starter kits, or you can build your own at your own pace by purchasing single pieces.
The seven-piece wall storage kit provides you with the foundation to organize your life and easily expand with a full range of storage solutions.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product!
Easily detach the crate from the wall rails to take any tools you need on the go.
Link Rolling Tool Box
Ever heard the phrase, “Messy bed, messy head?” The same applies to your garage. Having all your tools and equipment where you can find them is key to being productive.
The Ryobi Link Rolling Tool Box keeps all your tools and parts organized with its integrated accessory bit storage and a double organizer bin. No more digging to the bottom of the box to find the part you need!
It’s designed with impact-resistant material to handle the toughest of situations and protects your tools from water and dust.
This rolling toolbox has a wide, steel telescoping handle and nine-inch all-terrain wheels that support a 200-pound load capacity. You’ll be able to get all the materials you’ll need in one trip to the most rugged project sites.
This toolbox has secure locking points, tie-down anchors and impact-resistant latches so your tools are safe and sound.
Best of all, it is part of the Ryobi Link Modular Storage System, so it will seamlessly connect your stationary storage.
The Ryobi Link Modular Storage System can be configured any way you need it!
About the Ryobi Link Modular Storage System
The Ryobi Link Modular Storage System allows you to easily organize, access and transport the tools you need for your job. The interlocking modular pieces allow you to customize your storage space for optimum organization.
This storage system is available for purchase in starter kits, or you can build your own at your own pace by purchasing single pieces.
The seven-piece wall storage kit provides you with the foundation to organize your life and easily expand with a full range of storage solutions.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Watch the video to learn all about this Best New Product!
The Korky Toilet Fill Valve will help your toilet bowl fill faster while keeping quiet.
A toilet that constantly runs or fills slowly is annoying, not to mention wasteful. If you’re dealing with this issue, the Korky 2X Long Life Toilet Fill Valve could be the solution for you.
This fill valve fits 99% of toilets. Also, it’s easy to install. Simply remove your old valve, insert the new one, adjust for a tight fit and you’re done.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The rubber formulation resists chlorine, hard water, bacteria and rust, making it last — you guessed it — twice as long than other valves.
It’s ideal for toilets built since 1994 with a 1.6-gallon flush and it’s fully adjustable to prevent wasting water in any toilet.
