for Lower Energy Bills
Do you really need an Ultimate Summer Home Maintenance Checklist?
Well, in case you didn’t know, summer in Louisiana gets…. HOT. Imagine a warm hug that lasts too long, with 98% humidity. Your home works overtime to keep cool, it’s only fair to show it a little bit of love. If you don’t give it a little TLC, you’ll soon start throwing money out the window. At Jim Olivier Home Improvement, we believe a well-maintained home is important. It’s not just more comfortable—it’s more efficient. Follow this no-fluff guide to get the tips you need to be sure your siding, windows, doors, and more are in tip-top shape for this next season.
You deserve to relax, stay cool, and watch those energy bills shrink.
The Ultimate Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Siding: Your Home’s First Line of Defense
Your siding takes the brunt of Louisiana’s sun, storms, and humidity. Over time, cracks, warping, or fading can let heat seep into your walls, forcing your A/C to run longer.
TIPS:
- Inspect for Damage: Walk your perimeter and look for loose panels, chipped paint, or mildew. Catching issues early prevents more expensive repairs later.
- Power Wash & Repaint: A clean surface reflects more sunlight, keeping your walls—and your home—cooler. A fresh coat of quality paint also seals tiny gaps. Don’t forget, darker colors absorb, and lighter colors reflect.
- Seal It Up: Use a high-grade exterior caulk around windows, doors, and trim. This simple step blocks drafts, reduces moisture intrusion, and helps lower energy bills by keeping your conditioned air where it belongs.
- Tired of Maintaining Wood Siding? If you are done with the regular painting and maintenance of your old wood siding, consider vinyl siding. Never worry about painting again, AND we have insulated options to keep your home even more comfortable.
2. Windows: The Secret to Comfort & Savings
Windows aren’t just for looking out—they’re for keeping the outside…out. Unfortunately, old, single-pane windows are notorious energy wasters—and they’re incredibly popular. Replacing single-pane windows, especially those with old, worn-out seals, can take a HUGE chunk out of your monthly electric bill.
And FYI, if your glass gets foggy, that means your seal is broken and your energy efficiency is 0. It’s time for a replacement.
TIPS:
- Clean & Lubricate Tracks: Dirt builds up, making seals imperfect. A thorough cleaning and a little silicone spray can restore a snug fit.
- Check for Drafts: On a windy day, feel around the frame. If you sense air movement, it’s time for new weatherstripping or window film or maybe a replacement (but that’s the next tip). If you have any questions, check out this previous post or give the experts at Jim Olivier a call.
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Models: Investing in double- or triple-pane windows with Low-E coatings can drop your cooling costs by up to 20%. That’s real money back in your pocket—and it’s a key way to lower energy bills all summer long.
3. Doors: Seal the Deal on Efficiency
Your front door sees a lot of going in and out, but you shouldn’t have to see your dollars strolling out if it’s not sealed properly. This seems overly simple, but it’s important to include on your summer home maintenance checklist.
TIPS:
- Inspect Weatherstripping & Thresholds: Replace any worn seals. A tight-closing door keeps hot air out and cool air in.
- Adjust Hinges & Hardware: A door that drags or doesn’t close fully invites leaks. A quick hinge adjustment from Jim Olivier’s expert team can make all the difference.
- Consider a High-Performance Upgrade: Modern fiberglass or steel doors resist warping and come insulated right out of the box, supercharging your home’s thermal envelope. Don’t forget that even doors with windows have energy-efficient options available.
4. Roof: Your Home’s Overhead Shield
A roof in disrepair is more than an eyesore—it’s an energy culprit. Don’t overlook this during your summer home maintenance. Gaps, missing shingles, or clogged gutters can all lead to leaks, which compromise your insulation and eventually undermine your A/C’s efforts. If you have improper ventilation or damaged vents/wind turbines, this will increase your attic temperatures. This affects the longevity of your shingles and will increase you’re A/C usage.
TIPS:
- Gutter Cleaning: Remove leaves and debris. When gutters back up, water pools, leading to leaks and hidden rot that undermine insulation.
- Shingle Inspection: Look for curling, cracks, or missing shingles. Each one is a hole for heat to sneak in.
- Attic Ventilation & Insulation: Your roof’s job doesn’t end at shingles. Proper attic insulation and venting keep heat from radiating down into your living space. Upgrading insulation by just a few inches can translate into noticeable savings on electricity.
Did you know Roofing Louisiana (our sister company) offers annual maintenance to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible?
Bonus Tips for a Summer-Ready Home
While siding, windows, doors, and roof are your big four, don’t overlook these quick summer home maintenance wins:
- Ceiling Fans & HVAC Filters: Rotate fan blades counter-clockwise to push cool air down. Swap HVAC filters every 1–3 months to maintain airflow and system efficiency.
- Smart Thermostat: Dial in a programmable schedule that eases off cooling when you’re away without sacrificing comfort.
- Landscape Strategically: Plant shade trees or install awnings on sunbaked walls and windows to block direct sunlight and trim cooling costs.
Why Jim Olivier Home Improvement?
You deserve a local partner who understands Louisiana’s unique climate challenges. We’re community-focused, using top-quality ProVia materials and a handcrafted approach to ensure every window, door, siding panel, and shingle fits perfectly. Our goal? To help you lower energy bills, increase comfort, and add lasting value to your home. We also love equipping homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need (like summer home maintenance checklists, etc.) through our blog.
Ready to slash your summer energy bills and enjoy peak comfort? Let us help you complete this summer home maintenance checklist and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll walk your property, pinpoint the biggest efficiency gains, and craft a plan that fits your budget and timeline.
The heat is on, and it’s only going to get worse. Don’t let another sweltering afternoon—and another bloated energy bill—catch you off guard.
Call Jim Olivier’s Home Improvement today, check off that summer home maintenance checklist, and discover the power of proactive maintenance.
