During the course of the current pandemic and the associated stay-at-home orders, many of us are spending extra time on do-it-yourself projects. Taking some time to prepare your home for the upcoming summer months will set the stage for fun in the sun in the Portland, Oregon, area. Here are three of the most practical DIY projects you can do right now to promote greater comfort indoors and an improved outdoor environment for you and your family this year.
Install New Blinds
Blinds and shades can make a big difference in the indoor décor of your home. As an added bonus, they also contribute to keeping cool air in during the summer and serve as a barrier to cold temperatures outside in the winter. This will help you keep your heating and cooling bills in check while enhancing the beauty and energy efficiency of your home.
Repair or Replace Window Screens
We enjoy mostly moderate summertime temperatures here in Portland, save for the occasional scorcher. Take full advantage by throwing your windows wide open. Opening your windows will replace stale with fresh air, dramatically improving your indoor air quality. You’ll also save money by turning off the AC to enjoy the cool night air.
To do that, however, you’ll need to first check the condition of your window screens. You can easily repair holes and tears with patch kits available at any hardware store.
If your screens are beyond repair, you’ll need to replace them. Here’s how:
Remove the screen from the window frame
Pry the screen open with a slot screwdriver
Remove the old screen, then stretch the new mesh material over the frame, leaving some to hang over the edges
Use a spline roller to press the material into the grooves
Trim the excess screen
Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you have basic DIY skills, installing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat can potentially save you time, effort, and money keeping your home comfortable during every season of the year.
Advanced climate control systems can make it much easier to manage your indoor temperatures. Programmable thermostats provide you with set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
For even more control, Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to adjust temperatures from anywhere using your smartphone. This is especially valuable for those with busy or changeable schedules.
At A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we are committed to serving our customers with the most practical solutions for their needs. Our technicians will work with you to provide the most accurate assessments and the right recommendations for your Portland area home.
Call us today at (503) 694-3396 or visit us online to request services or to ask for an estimate from our team. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you now and in the future.