Tag: summer

Get the Backyard Ready for a Summer BBQ!

People chatting on a patio at a modern home, reflecting A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions' community focus.

Make the Backyard the Perfect Gathering Place

It wouldn’t be summer without outdoor gatherings. Despite the heat, there is no place better to be on a summer weekend than a backyard with a hot grill and cold drinks. But food and beverages alone don’t make a get-together into a party.

Making a home into a summer party spot takes a little effort. With a little planning and professional help, any homeowner can turn their backyard into the perfect BBQ and party spot. Here are some tips from handyman contractors to help homeowners create the perfect outdoor space.

Install a New DeckBackyard deck with seating area, umbrella, and colorful plants, showcasing a perfect outdoor gathering space for summer BBQs and parties.

No outdoor space is ready for guests without having an obvious gathering place for everyone to eat, drink and mingle. Some ideas that are common in backyards are:

  • Custom decks
  • Extended porches
  • Screened in patios or cabanas

The options are limitless when it comes to designing the perfect outdoor space. Whether there is a pool that needs a deck built around it or a homeowner needs a place to set up the grill and tables, take every opportunity to make the perfect space. Finding a helpful deck installation company can get the job done quickly.

Wooden privacy fence enclosing a backyard, enhancing outdoor ambiance and providing seclusion for summer gatherings.

Privacy Fence Installation

Good fences make good neighbors. They also make for even better outdoor parties. A good fence can keep prying eyes away and provide the ambiance for a comfortable evening. A privacy fence gives a cozy feel to the backyard, while custom fencing can add value to a home by enhancing its style.

Regardless of the fence in a backyard, it needs to be maintained to stave off wood rot and keep it from showing its age. Getting fences stained and sealed every couple of years will add decades to the life of a fence while also keeping it looking new for summer get-togethers.

Exterior Power Washing to Clean Things Up

Maybe a homeowner is known for their backyard BBQs and already has the nicest deck and fence around. But, year after year and party after party, mother nature will try to creep back in. That’s when it’s time for a good scrubbing.

Exterior power washing around the home can be the final touch to make an outdoor space a party hub or refresh a space that has suffered from too many spilled drinks. The possibilities for exterior power washing are limitless and can leave the area feeling new or prepare it for getting a fresh coat of sealer or paint.

Some of the things that homeowners like to power wash around the home are:

  • Decks that are looking weathered
  • Siding that has lost its luster
  • Fencing that needs a new coat of sealer
  • Sidewalks that look dingy
  • Deck furniture that has seen one too many winters

After all the other preparations, power washing is the perfect finishing move. With a clean-looking home exterior, everything is ready for a good party.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated business with over four decades of experience serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer both flat-rate pricing and financing. Call them today for handyman services in Austin, TX.

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Cheap but Effective Ways To Stay Cool During the Summer

Hand reaching for bright sunlight over lush greenery and clouds, representing A-Plus Air Conditioning's home solutions.

Three Easy Tips To Beat the Heat

It’s no secret that summer temperatures can get almost unbearable. And as those temperatures heat up, homeowners run to the thermostat to crank up the AC. However, in doing so, they crank up their utility payments too. Additionally, running the air conditioner harder has the unintended effect of increasing the likelihood of a breakdown. Summer breakdowns can leave homeowners uncomfortable as well as costing tons of money for emergency repairs. Surely there must be a way to stay cool without breaking the bank. 

In this article, air conditioning specialists want to help people stay cool during the summer without needlessly spending money and using energy. Instead of running the wheels off of the air conditioner, there are a few things that homeowners can do to stay cool. 

Lower the Temperature of Your Shower

Showerhead with water flowing, illustrating the benefits of cooler showers for summer comfort and energy savings.One of the easiest things to do to stay cool during the summer is to simply lower the temperature of the water in the shower. Long ago, this was standard practice to reduce costs during the summer, but at some point, many people stopped doing this. Showering in cold water has numerous benefits for both saving money and improving health, including:
  • Alleviates dry or itchy skin
  • Improves the health of skin and hair by not stripping them of their natural oils
  • Increases circulation and helps wake people up
  • Saves money on water heating bills
  • Reduces soreness

Cooler showers invigorate the body while costing a lot less, making this a staple during the summer can have huge long-term benefits. 

Change the Sheets

Light blue bed linens and pillows on a bed, emphasizing comfortable bedding options for summer sleep. One of the things that people love to do, regardless of the season, is to slip into a comfortable bed at the end of a long day. In the winter, that means fluffy comforters that help people stay warm. In the summer, this type of bedding is totally inappropriate. 

Studies show that the optimal sleep temperatures are in the high 60s and low 70s. Using the air conditioner to maintain these temperatures can be expensive in the hot summer. To save money, look at more appropriate bedding. 

Certain types of bedding like synthetic sheets or linen bedding can help a body stay cool while in bed. Having seasonal bedding changes can help save money by keeping sleepers more comfortable regardless of the season while also taking less of a toll on the central heating and cooling system. 

Keep Clean Air Filters Handy

An efficient air conditioner is one that operates cheaply and keeps the home safe and comfortable. The first step to keeping an air conditioner efficient is to make sure that it always has clean filters in place. Dirty filters interrupt the airflow of an air conditioner and prevent the free exchange of air. They can also allow dust to build up inside of the unit leading to more numerous repairs. Changing air filters at least every three months can help keep the unit running efficiently. This allows the home to stay cooler while costing less money and preventing trouble down the road. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions keeps Austin homes cool and energy-efficient. With a primary goal of increasing energy efficiency, they can help homeowners be more green and save money. Whether that includes AC repairs or a new AC installation, their excellent technicians can handle any job with ease.

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Is Your Backyard Ready for Summer Hangouts?

Cozy outdoor patio with table and chairs, surrounded by green lawn and flowers, ideal for home improvement gatherings.

3 Ways You Can Turn a Backyard Into a Summer Oasis!

Summer is fast approaching, and many homeowners are looking for ways to turn their backyards into perfect summer spots. Luckily, there are several ways to do this, and they don’t have to break the bank. These tips range from involved to done-in-a-weekend. And with the help of a home solutions company, homeowners can rest easy knowing the job is done right. So read on to find out how to turn a backyard into a summer oasis!

Deck Repair or Replacement for Outdoor Fun

Hand holding a hammer above a wooden plank with nails, illustrating deck repair for outdoor summer gatherings.

A warped, damaged, or too-small deck can limit the options for outdoor get-togethers. Warped or damaged decks can be a safety issue, causing guests to trip. And those with kids may find themselves digging splinters out of little feet if the deck is wooden. Plus, backyard barbecues can be hard when there’s not enough room on the deck for a table, chairs, and a grill or smoker. 

Whether the deck needs repair or it’s bad enough to warrant replacement, there are plenty of options. Sometimes repairing a deck is just a matter of a little sanding, a few replacement boards, and a fresh coat of finish. The right handyman can get this done in a couple of days, depending on the size of the deck. Replacing a deck isn’t quite as quick, but newer materials are available that will allow homeowners to install a deck that will last 15 to 20 years without constant repairs. 

Enjoy Family Cookouts With an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchen setup featuring a stainless steel grill with food cooking, a sink, and a cocktail, overlooking a scenic backyard with a fence and water view, enhancing family gatherings and outdoor cooking experiences.Many homeowners already have a nice deck or patio but are looking to upgrade the facilities. A simple grill is nice, but an outdoor kitchen can move all the conveniences of the modern kitchen outside. For many families, the kitchen is the gathering place of choice. When the weather is nice, this is doubly so for the outdoor kitchen. Combining the fresh air and the sound of chirping birds with a mini-fridge, an oven with a stovetop, and plenty of counter space can turn family gatherings into fun outdoor get-togethers. 

When homeowners install a seating area, a pizza stove, a sink, and one of many outdoor kitchen options, the outdoor kitchen starts looking even better than the indoor kitchen - which isn’t a bad thing at all!

Add Outdoor Lighting For Dinner Under the Stars

Lastly, outdoor lighting can add much more to the backyard than the sum of its parts. It’s nice to spend a night out under the stars, but natural starlight may not be enough to see by. There are a ton of different outdoor lighting options to choose from. 

Mood lighting can turn the backyard into a romantic escape. It can also add a certain unbeatable ambiance to those beautiful summer nights. From string lights and recessed lighting to understated outdoor chandeliers and colored garden lights, homeowners can find a style that is perfect for them. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

The friendly folks at A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions have been serving Austin, TX, since 1977. They are a family-owned business offering fast, friendly service. They’re also fully licensed and always offer flat-rate pricing on every job. Call them today for professional deck services in Austin, TX.

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