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Celebrating at Home... 25-Jun-2020
Can You Tell It’s Summer By Your Electric Bill??? 8-Jun-2020
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Celebrating at Home!
This weekend as we celebrate our country’s birthday, we recognize this as the unofficial mid-point of summer with lots of fun still to come! Family and friends will be gathering together to enjoy the holiday and if you are hosting at your home, you probably want to tidy up the patio or deck area and show your outdoor furniture a little love before the guests arrive. By this time of summer you have been cutting grass regularly which means the outdoor furniture and everything near it may be a bit dusty, not to mention the pollen which is in great supply on every surface this year!
There are many types of cleaning products available and each has a specific use. Take a look at the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations for your furniture and start with the mildest products that will get the job done. Sometimes giving furniture a quick wipe with a damp cloth or vacuuming the cushions may be all that is needed to freshen the look with little effort. If the cleaning project is more involved with stains or other issues, making a mixture of a few teaspoons of mild dishwashing soap and water in a spray bottle can be used to spot clean or used for larger areas along with a good rinse with a hose. You may have to ramp up the cleaning solution to oil-based soaps, ammonia or even some bleach based on the issue or material to be cleaned. Always test the cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous spot with whatever cleaning product you choose to be certain it won’t damage the item and choose non-abrasive cloths, brushes and sponges for your project so you don’t damage the furniture or fabric’s finish.
Once cleaned and dry, if appropriate, you may want to use a spray fabric protector product on cushions to help lessen the effort needed to clean in the future. If you have wooden furniture you may want to consider a light sanding and application of a natural oil, stain, paint or UV protectant as recommended by the manufacturer to refresh and protect against outside elements especially if the furniture is stored outside over winter.
By taking a little time for some mid-season outdoor maintenance now, you will be party-ready and be able to enjoy the holiday and the rest of the summer!
Wishing you and your family a Happy Independence Day!
Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265
Brentview Realty 615.373.2814
It’s officially summer, the season of long hot days, fun in the sun and of course, LOTS of air conditioning! Many of you have received your first large electric bill of the season reflecting the temperature change and although you are enjoying the beautiful hot days after being cooped up for months, you aren’t enjoying the high energy bills.
Once you get past the utility’s reminder that you live in the hot and humid South, you may want to perform a quick energy audit around your home to ensure you are doing all you can to minimize cooling costs. One of the best places to start is with your HVAC unit. If it has been a while, you might want to schedule a seasonal checkup with a reputable company to be sure your unit is in good working order. Sometimes they can uncover small issues that can be resolved before the unit works overtime and freezes up in the middle of July with no warning! Whether or not you call for a service, you should continue to change the filters on a regular basis to keep the clean air flowing! You should also keep debris away from the unit and check for and seal gaps in the ductwork where air could be escaping. This is also a good time to check the caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows. Not only will sealing leaks help save energy and money now, but you will get a head start on the heating season.
If you haven’t installed a programmable thermostat yet, now may be a good time to take the plunge. There is a wide variety of units available from those that don’t require an internet connection to those that can be controlled using a smart phone or tablet and monitored while you are away from home. Many “smart” thermostats also have “learning” modes that identify your usage patterns for better efficiency.
Some other easy low-tech options for energy savings include changing the direction of your ceiling fan to counterclockwise for summer use and keeping blinds, drapes or shutters closed in areas where your home receives abundant sunlight.
Following just a few of these low cost tips can help you save some money on your energy bills while you keep your home and family comfortable soaking up the sun!
...."You've Got A Friend in Real Estate"
Jarod Tanksley 615.403.8265
www.BrentwoodandBeyond.com
Brentview Realty 615.373.2814
