energy
Window efficiency. Windows can account for half of the unwanted heat that enters homes during summer, according to ScreenMobile (screenmobile.com), a home-delivery screen installation company. In addition to screening doors and windows for safety and comfort, the company offers these tips to keep your home cool during warm weather:
Open front and back doors to create cross- ventilation.
Sunscreen shades and awnings over doors, windows, porches and patios create barriers from intense heat. Screened-in porches and patios ward off insects and extend your outdoor living space.
Paint exteriors with light paint to reflect sunlight away from the building.
Install Energy Star windows, which cost more but save energy and increase comfort.
Beautify your yard with shade trees and shrubs. They also decrease heat gain in the house.
time
Clearer view. While contemplating windows and energy usage, you may notice months of built-up winter gunk. Follow these steps from the makers of Grabers LightWeaves (graberblinds ) window shades for cleaner, clearer windows.
Ensure windows are working properly by making sure locks line up and windows easily open and close.
Give the inside of windows a good scrub- down before replacing storm windows with screens to let in fresh air. Use a hand-held vacuum to quickly dispose of dirt and paint chips at the base of the window.
Use glass cleaner on the outside of windows, then wipe them down with newspaper to give them a streak-free shine.
Take the job one step further by dusting blinds and drapes to rid them of allergens and dirt.
space
Garage-storage smarts. Organized Living (organizedliving ), the online purveyor of home storage solutions, recommends these products to ready your garage for summer.
Activity organizers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be mixed and matched, to adjust to a family’s changing sports and hobbies. Prices start at about $13.
The Bike Pole ($140) stores two bikes up off the floor, leaving more room in the garage for things like your car.
A 16-Drawer organizer (about $14) is a low-cost way to arrange nuts, bolts, screws and washers. Gardeners can use a similar unit to store and label unused seeds.
