These common tips aren’t the life hacks you think they are.
After a long day out in the heat—or even just a few minutes spent outside during peak summer—many of us dream of coming back inside to the cool embrace of the AC. A well-functioning AC can truly be a saving grace on the hottest and stickiest days of summertime—but these appliances aren’t miracle workers. In fact, air conditioning units can only really do their best work when we use them the right way, and electricians say many of us are falling for some of the same myths over and over again. Improper usage can wear down AC units, lead to less effective cooling, and it can cost you more money, too.
So, here are the most common misconceptions around AC usage that HVAC pros want us to stop believing.
Ken Nelson, group sales manager, ventilation at Panasonic North America
Chris Hunter, director of customer relations at Service Titan
1 | Turning Down the Thermostat to “Make it Cool Faster”
It’s hard to be patient when you’re overheated and sweaty—and that leads many of us be a bit too aggressive with the AC, cranking the temperature way down and hoping for quick relief. However, HVAC pros say that is simply not how it works.
“The most common misconception with AC usage is a lot of homeowners believe that turning down their thermostat really far will make it cool faster—but the unit will run the same,” says Rich Walker, president of Summers Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. “The unit will provide the same amount of cooling, at least on most systems, it will just continue to run until it meets that temperature. But it will not cool faster or harder.”
Benjamin Uscilla, HVAC technician and owner of Evergreen Heating and Cooling, echoes that point, emphasizing how not only is this method ineffective, but it can also be bad for the appliance. “Residential air conditioners aren’t refrigerators,” he says. “Setting them below 68 degrees is not recommended by most manufacturers and more often than not will cause mechanical failures within the system because they are simply not designed to work that well.”
2| Turning Up the Thermostat When No One’s Home to Save Money
Energy bills during the peak of summer can be pretty scary, so many of us look for simple ways to save, like turning up the thermostat while you’re out of the house. However, this common idea can actually backfire.
“A lot of people try turning the temp up during the day thinking they’ll save money, but it just means that when you get home, it’s going to take potentially hours for the house to get back to your comfort level and most likely will not save you any money in operation,” says Uscilla.
Walker explains that, during really hot periods, it’s actually better to start the day off at a lower set point (the temperature a thermostat is set to), so that the AC won’t have to work as hard to get back to a comfortable temperature when you return home. For the sake of your appliance and your bills, consistency is preferred over big fluctuations in the thermostat settings. “It’s typically better to hold a certain set point than adjusting up and down during peak usage times of year,” Walker says.
However, an energy-efficient programmable thermostat can be useful to take some of the guessing out of the temperature settings and to make sure the house is a comfortable temperature long before you return home.
3 | Turning the AC Off When You’re Away Will Save Money
Similarly to turning the thermostat way up when you’re away, turning the AC off completely during a heat wave can be an even worse idea. Doing so can bring your home to a much warmer temperature than it would be otherwise, which can put a lot of strain on your AC when you turn it back on.
Letting your home get too hot can also lead to a number of other issues, potentially damaging or warping your floors, appliances, windows, woodwork, and more. Too much heat in the home can also lead to more humidity issues, which can lead to further home damage and health problems.
4| Thinking the AC Will Fix Humidity Issues
Humidity is another reason that you may return home and decide to drastically crank down the thermostat. However, while air conditioners do naturally remove moisture from the air as they cool, they shouldn’t be your sole defense against indoor humidity. “One of the biggest misconceptions is thinking air conditioning alone will manage humidity,” says Ken Nelson, group sales manager, ventilation at Panasonic North America. “AC does help, but it’s primarily designed to cool, not dehumidify.”
So, if your home has indoor humidity issues, you’ll need to address it holistically, rather than trying to just use your AC as a dehumidifier.
5| Thinking Bigger Is Better
If you live in a super hot climate and you want an aggressive AC system to cool you down, you may think you need the biggest option on the market. However, this too can backfire.
An AC that’s too big for your space will cool your home quickly and then shut off, and all the starts and stops can can raise your bills and wear down the appliance. This hyper fast cooling can also lead to more humidity.
“If [the AC is] oversized for your square footage, it cools down too fast, never allowing the unit to run long enough to dehumidify appropriately,” says Chris Hunter, director of customer relations at Service Titan.
So, make sure your AC unit is properly sized for your space so that it can do its job right and won’t accidentally cost you more money.
It’s a common and welcome surprise for homeowners to find hardwood floors hidden underneath a layer of old worn carpet in many older homes, especially those with raised foundations built before the 1970s. Restoring these floors can significantly enhance the aesthetics and value of a home.
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Smart design choices can enhance your home’s style while effectively keeping bugs and pests at bay.
Stylish home upgrades—such as warm lighting, door sweeps, and window repairs—can also keep bugs and critters outside.
Hidden pest-proofing tricks, such as sealing cracks and using trim or baseboards, can stop bugs without compromising your home’s appearance.
From a marching parade of ants to hovering fruit flies, pests can really put a damper on things. They don’t have to be a fact of life for your house, though. Along with keeping a clean home and sealing points of entry, there are smart ways to repel bugs that blend home aesthetics with pest control techniques.
Windows are your home’s first line of defense against both weather and pests. “Flaws in window design or installation can create air leaks, attracting pests and their predators,” explains Paigh Bumgarner, senior product manager for Cornerstone Building Brands.
If your screens or windows are past their prime, it’s time for an upgrade. She says to look for lab-tested windows with fusion-welded corners and durable weatherstripping.
02 of 08 | Use Architectural Trim to Disguise Sealing Work
Sealing entry points—thus, blocking small gaps that pests use to enter—is a must. But you don’t have to be stuck looking at eyesore sealants. “Many bugs can squeeze through tiny cracks, so closing these with the right materials makes a big difference,” says Adham Perriseau, licensed pest management professional at Dr. Killigan’s. Rather than leaving behind visible caulk or foam, conceal these fixes with decorative trim, baseboards, or facade details.
03 of 08 | Replace Bright Exterior Lights
Bright white light bulbs notoriously attract bugs while warm-toned options (including LEDs) are less likely to create a buggy bonanza. Swap in warm lighting for light fixtures on your doorstep, entryway, garage, and other entry points. You can also choose solar-powered or motion-sensor versions for patios and gardens to limit continuous light and keep your ambiance cozy.
04 of 08 | Add Stylist Door Sweeps
Along with sealing gaps with caulk (for small gaps) or foam (for larger gaps), Perriseau recommends using weather stripping and door sweeps to create barriers around windows and doors.
An ultra-low-profile door sweep in a finish that matches your threshold or flooring—like brushed brass or matte black—looks good while telling pests, “you’re not welcome here.”
05 of 08 | Swap in Hard Flooring
Carpet has a nice feel under your feet, but it tends to harbor crumbs, dust, moisture, and pet dander. This not only affects your indoor air quality, but can also attract bugs, dust mites, carpet beetles, and other insects.
Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, recommends prioritizing hardwood flooring, which is easier to clean and lasts for decades. For a less expensive option, you can also use luxury plank or tile. Rugs can be incorporated for that soft underfoot feel, but be sure to deep clean them seasonally.
06 of 08 | Keep a Clean Border Around Your Home
What’s happening on the exterior of your home (especially right against your walls) has a huge impact on critter activity on the inside. “When you place mulch or other vegetation right next to your house, you are creating ideal conditions for pests to flourish, right next to the building,” explains Jim Fredericks, MD, a board-certified entomologist. Trim back tree branches and don’t store firewood close to the home.
07 of 08 | Don’t Overwater Indoor Plants
Houseplants are a lovely addition to the household, but they can also attract gnats and ants if they are waterlogged. Opt for planters with built-in drainage trays, avoid clustering too many in dark corners, and display them on elevated plant stands to keep excess moisture off shelves and floors. Grouping plants in balanced arrangements (versus crowded clusters) can also help improve airflow to reduce excess soil moisture.
08 of 08 | Regularly Refresh Your Gutters
Gutters aren’t exactly a glamorous detail to think about, but they are integral when it comes to a pest-free home. Professional handyperson Roy Neely says to give your gutters a thorough inspection to ensure they’re clean and draining properly. If anything’s amiss, it’s time for an overhaul.
“Ensuring proper drainage design—which can include French drains, gutters, and downspout extensions—can dramatically reduce pest pressure around the home,” Neely explains. “In addition, incorporating a gravel perimeter trench around the foundation (also known as a dry moat) can help discourage burrowing pests like moles and insects by creating a dry buffer zone.”
Wendy Rose Gould is a veteran lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Ariz. with over 10 years of experience. She covers home, wellness, beauty, and travel for outlets such as Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Insider, TODAY, Bustle, TripSavvy, The Zoe Report, and others. Whether ruminating about interior design with the influential leaders in the industry, on the ground at NYFW talking trends with beauty and fashion pros, or venturing to a new corner of the world, she’s always eager to report on the latest and greatest.
7 Things You Should Wash Every Week (but Probably Aren’t), According to Laundry Experts
Unless you like wrapping yourself in body oil, mildew, and bacteria.
You’re probably well aware that that funky dishcloth needs to be cleaned after a second use (max!), but there’s a lot of gray area as far as how often things should be laundered around your house. (For instance, you may be able to wear your jeans all season long before they need a scrub!)
But there are likely a few things that need to be cleaned weekly that have fallen off your radar—and may not be cleaned as often as they should, according to laundry experts. That could lead to not only bad odors—but a potential for skin irritation or infections due to bacterial growth. And all that dirt buildup could have consequences for your fabrics, too. “Regular washing of the fabrics in your home prolongs the life of the fabrics by preventing soil and odor buildup,” says Kim Romine, a fabric care scientist for P&G.
Get ready to toss a few of these things in the wash right away!
The smart thing to do? Give anything fabric in your house a weekly inspection for stains or smells. That way, you’ll notice if your throw pillows, sofa slipcovers, shower curtains, or your duvet cover need a good wash. “The key is to trust your nose and eyes,” says Becky Rapinchuk of Clean Mama. “If something smells or looks dirty, it’s time to wash it!”
You’re only putting it on your fresh-from-the-shower body, so it feels like you should be able to keep using the same bath towel for a while. But Romine says that at least a weekly wash is required. “Towels are frequently used to dry our bodies, and they can quickly accumulate body oils, dead skin cells, and other soils. These should be washed after two to three uses.”
There’s another potential ew when it comes to towels—especially if they’re left in a pile on the floor, rather than hung to dry. “Towels stay damp and can harbor bacteria and mildew,” Rapinchuk says.
Pet Beds
Your pets shed hair and dead skin cells all over their bedding—and letting it go until you smell that doggy (or kitty) funk may leave them (or any sensitive folks in your home!) prone to allergic reactions—or even skin infections for your poor little pooch.
Sheets and Pillowcases
You may try to extend this chore to a biweekly schedule, but laundry experts agree—you need to be changing your sheets at least weekly in the summer or if you sweat at night. “These items should be washed weekly because they come into direct contact with our bodies and accumulate oils, dead skin cells, bacteria, and moisture,” Rapinchuk says. “Sheets and pillowcases collect sweat and oils from our skin and hair overnight.”
Of course, if you have a particularly sweaty night during the hot summer months, you shouldn’t wait. “If you notice sweat, soil buildup, or odors on the sheets, it’s best to wash them right away,” Romine says.
Blankets
Whether it’s that living room throw that you’re always cozied up under, or the blanket you’re using in lieu of a top sheet on your bed, it’s worth giving it a weekly wash—as food crumbs, body oils, pet hair, and other ick can build up. You can extend this timeline if the sofa throw is usually just folded on an arm, but otherwise, give it a wash weekly.
Bath Mats
This feels like something that rarely gets used, but a bath mat does tend to get damp. And that makes it a fertile breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. A weekly laundering helps keep any microbe growth at bay.
Casual Clothing
While things like underwear and activewear require washing after each wear, some clothes can be worn a few times before they need to be washed. You should wash dress shirts and blouses after one to two wears and casual shirts after two to three wears—unless they’re visibly dirty, Rapinchuk says.
Bras
Bras require a good wash after two to three wears—which means they may need to be washed on a weekly basis, depending on how often you wear them.
If you’re someone who loves the challenges of DIY home projects, you may be thinking about choosing a fixer-upper for your next home. The property might look outdated now, but you can make it your dream home with the right plan.
Build Your Dream Team
First things first — getting the right people on your side can make all the difference. From your real estate agent to a seasoned contractor and a home inspector with a sharp eye, your team will help uncover any hidden issues so you can avoid surprise costs. Their combined knowledge and skills can assist you in creating your future home.
Start with the Essentials
It’s tempting to rush right into choosing paint colors, fixtures and flooring, but you’ll thank yourself later for prioritizing the home’s structure and interior systems first. Inspecting the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC may seem tedious, but those are the essentials that will keep your house safe and sound for years to come.
Get Smart About Financing
Need help funding the transformation? Renovation loans let you combine a mortgage with repair costs. This can be a sensible option for homes needing more than a little bit of polish.
Strategize Every Move
Map out your vision in detail, including your must-haves, nice-to-haves, budget, and timeline. Also, recognize that living in a construction zone is not for everyone. If you can stay elsewhere during major work, you’ll likely keep your project — and your peace of mind — in check.
Embrace the Chaos
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, but staying flexible, communicative and proactive makes a huge difference. Keep your vision in sight, expect hiccups along the way and celebrate the progress.
Bedroom Color Schemes
The right colors in your bedroom could be the secret to sweet dreams. Consider painting with one of these calming hues, then layer decor in complementary colors to turn your space into a serene haven of restful sleep. For added depth, be sure to include various textures, patterns and other design elements that appeal to you.
Blissful Blues
Sky blue, periwinkle, robin’s egg, navy, and pastel blue help create a sense of serenity and can soothe nerves.
Peaceful Pinks
Soft shades like pale pink, pastel pink, salmon, or cherry blossom create a warm, soothing atmosphere.
Grounding Greens
Shades of emerald, sage, moss, sea green, and pistachio encourage recharging and help you feel more connected to nature.
Nurturing Neutrals
Tones of beige, gray, ivory, taupe, and white create a feeling of cleanliness, quiet and comfort.
Creative Storage Spaces
Consider these unique ways to organize your home when storage space is limited.
Look at decor as a disguise. Portable, stylish clothing racks can make space for your clothes while displaying your personal style. Vintage trunks and baskets serve as decoration and storage. In the kitchen, use a pegboard or hooks to display your pots and pans.
Functional couches and ottomans offer extra storage compartments hidden in plain sight. Swap out pedestal tables with cabinetry to add more space for stowing miscellaneous items.
Add narrow rolling racks and shelves in small spaces, such as between the refrigerator and counter in your kitchen or within small areas in bathrooms or closets. Use the hidden space behind doors to hang flat items like ironing boards. Make use of wasted space by installing small shelves above doorways or hanging racks from the garage ceiling.
With a bit of imagination, small spaces can be transformed with clever storage solutions. Bottom line — get creative to best use the space you have!
Cool Tips for Cleaning Your AC Coils
Regularly cleaning the outdoor condenser coils will keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently and prevent future problems. Here are the steps to doing it right.
Turn off power to the unit.
Locate the thin metal “fins” covering the coils. If they’re dented or bent, use an AC fin tool to straighten them.
Once the fins are straight, use a vacuum to carefully remove any debris.
Coat the entire surface of the fins with a foaming AC coil cleaner. Use a stiff brush or the scrubber on the cleaner’s cap to remove buildup located between the fins.
Thoroughly rinse the surface with a hose to eliminate any remaining dirt.
Recipe: Blue Cheese & Pear Salad
Ingredients
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1½ Tbsp. maple syrup
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallots
2 large pears
8 cups spring lettuce mix
½ cup walnut pieces
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup Blue cheese crumbles
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard and maple syrup. Set aside. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add shallots and cook for 3 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to low and slowly add vinegar mixture. Simmer for 2 minutes, whisking frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.
Core pears and cut into ¼-inch slices. In a large bowl, toss spring mix with pears, walnuts and half of cooled dressing. Sprinkle cranberries and Blue cheese on top, and serve with remaining dressing.
Credit: Janna Allbritton for Yellow Prairie Interiors
The color of your front door is incredibly important if you want to nail your home’s curb appeal. In fact, surveys show that certain front door colors can help sell your home for top dollar. But even if you’re not planning on hitting the market any time soon, brushing on a fresh hue can give your entire home an instant facelift, allowing you to add personality and impact to your exterior with very little time (or money) spent.
Need a boost of color confidence before you hit the paint aisle? Below, we’re rounding up nine stunning bits of exterior inspiration, along with the paint colors that will help you get the look. From vibrant orange and retro teal to coastal blue, these front doors certainly know how to make an entrance.
01 of 09 | Espalier by Sherwin-Williams
Credit: Natasha Habermann
To help her charming Cape Cod-style home feel even more timeless, designer Natasha Habermann turned to a rich emerald green to contrast the crisp white siding. The shade, Espalier by Sherwin-Williams, is saturated and luxe while still feeling traditional enough to live in harmony with the home’s classic architecture.
02 of 09 | Heritage Red by Benjamin Moore
Credit: Thomas Kuoh for Studio Munroe
Few color combos are as classic as red, white, and blue, making the trio a go-to exterior palette for designers and homeowners alike. Here, designer Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe chose Benjamin Moore’s Heritage Red for a finishing touch that feels both timeless and energetic.
03 of 09 | Oceanic Teal by Benjamin Moore
Credit: Nathan Schroder for Maestri Studio
When the exterior of your home has bold accents—be it fanciful architecture or whimsical finishes—it’s important to choose a color that has enough gusto to hold its own.
In this funky mid-century exterior scene by Maestri Studio, bold black and white accents are paired with a retro-inspired teal shade for an entrance that screams, “Fun happens here.” For a similar look, try Oceanic Teal by Benjamin Moore.
04 of 09 | Off-Black by Farrow & Ball
Credit: Sandra Cavallo for Old Silver Shed
A black front door is the equivalent of a great pair of Levi’s jeans—it looks good on just about anybody (or in this case, any house).
For the exterior of her coastal shingle-style home in Cape Cod, creator Sandra Cavallo of Old Silver Shed opted for a rich and dynamic hue, Farrow & Ball’s Off-Black, to offset the home’s decidedly sunny (and summery) outlook.
05 of 09 | Bluebelle by Benjamin Moore
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez, Design by Lauren Conner Interiors
You may assume coastal-inspired shades like pale blue are reserved for beachfront properties, but we have good news: They can work just as well in a landlocked cul-de-sac.
Case in point? This elegant baby blue on a home by Lauren Conner Interiors, which sits pretty alongside more rustic details, like red brick steps. While this color is a custom blend, you can score a similar look using a shade like Bluebelle from Benjamin Moore.
06 of 09 | Invigorate by Sherwin-Williams
Credit: Suzy Broome
Sometimes, the most unexpected hues end up being the most memorable. When creator Suzy Broome was on the hunt for a shade that could stand up against the patterned tile leading up to her entryway, she turned to a punchy shade of orange to amp up the style quotient.
To mimic this personality-packed look, try Invigorate by Sherwin-Williams.
07 of 09 | Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball
Credit: Eden House Co.
When working with an exterior that boasts warm-colored materials, like brick, you’ll want to choose a front door color that complements (and cools down) the overall scheme.
Credit: Janna Allbritton for Yellow Prairie Interiors
Green is a popular front door color, thanks in large part to its versatility and ability to blend in with the surrounding landscaping.
For a shade that’s less expected and more vibrant, swap traditional forest green for a preppier pick, like Arugula by Sherwin-Williams, seen here on a home by Janna Allbritton of Yellow Prairie Interiors.
09 of 09 | Firecracker by Behr
Credit: Gloria McMahon for The Long Awaited Home
If the exterior of your home is natural wood, you’ve pretty much hit the jackpot—you can pick basically any shade for your front door color and it’ll look good.
To bring a bit of spice to her 1800s New England colonial, creator Gloria McMahon of The Long Awaited Home opted for a brick red, Behr’s Firecracker, which boasts just enough vibrancy to keep the exterior feeling very of this century.
Here’s an informational tidbit you probably don’t want to hear: As temperatures drop, many rodents will be attracted to your home for the same reasons you are: They’re seeking a warm, cozy shelter with food. And they’re not just creepy—left unchecked, these pests can wreak havoc on your health and home.
“Although they may be small in size, rodents can cause big problems for homeowners once inside. Known to spread more than 35 diseases worldwide, rodents are considered one of the most dangerous public health pests in America,” says Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association. “In addition to the health threats they pose, rodents are capable of causing significant property damage.”
For example, if they get behind the walls of your home, they can chew through materials like plastic, wood, and drywall. They’re also capable of chewing through wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fire.
While rodents pose a threat year-round, Fredericks says mice and rats invade an estimated 21 million U.S. homes each winter. To keep them from running rampant on your property, put these tips into practice.
Eliminate access points around the house
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as the size of a dime, and their rat cousins can fit through holes the size of a quarter, experts say. This means even the tiniest cracks and crevices should be sealed, including cracks and holes inside and outside the home.
“It’s critical to eliminate access points by inserting door sweeps, repairing damaged window and door screens, sealing exterior cracks, and replacing loose mortar,” says Fredericks. “Any gap under a door that is larger than a quarter-inch can permit mice to enter and should be closed by repairing thresholds or installing door sweeps.”
Openings to chimneys should be regularly inspected, including the damper, which should always be closed when not in use, says Kevin Busch, vice president of operations at Mr. Handyman.
“Inspect and repair holes in your gutters, roof, fascia, siding, and foundation,” Busch says.
The best materials to use for sealing cracks and holes in your home’s exterior? Busch says expanding foam insulation, caulking, metal screening, or even a small piece of sheet metal will work great.
Inspect all packaging before bringing it into the home
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, more people are relying on online ordering for groceries, household supplies, and meal delivery. This cardboard packaging can be enticing to rodents searching for food and, as gross as it sounds, give them a free ride into your home.
“If packages with food are left outside for extended periods of time, they can attract mice and rats who can easily chew through cardboard boxing,” says Fredericks. “Be sure to promptly bring any deliveries inside and inspect packages for signs of rodent damage, or even an infestation inside the box itself.”
Properly store food and dispose of garbage
Critters are always looking for their next meal. Experts suggest storing food in airtight containers, disposing of garbage regularly, and using a sealed trash receptacle to prevent hungry rodents from getting into your food waste.
“Sealing up food and properly storing it is important because the odors attract unwanted animals,” says Craig Gjelsten, vice president of operations for Rainbow International. “Mice, rats, and other pests are attracted to rotting food and animal waste products.”
Keep attics, basements, and crawl spaces ventilated and dry
Eliminating any sources of moisture—including repairing leaking pipes and clogged drains—can help keep rodents at bay.
“Just like humans, rodents need water in order to survive,” says Fredericks. “In general, it’s a good idea to eliminate sources of moisture inside your home by keeping attics and basements well-ventilated while also repairing any leaking pipes or clogged drains.”
Keep outdoor spaces clear and clean
To keep unwanted critters from entering your home, be sure to do regular landscaping and yard maintenance.
“Trim back trees so animals can’t climb onto the roof,” says Josh Sevick, president of The Ground Guys, which specializes in lawn care and landscaping.
Sevick also says to remove debris around your home and to keep firewood at least 20 feet from your house.
Safeguard your electrical system
Rodents have been known to chew throughstructural components like drywall, insulation, lumber, and electrical wiring. While all these threats are worth addressing, ignoring damage to your electrical system can be the most critical because it can lead to unnecessary fires, personal injuries, and property damage.
“While finding evidence of damaged wiring can be extremely difficult, if rodents are present in your home or business, you’ll have a few chewed wires,” says Josh McCormick, vice president of operations for Mr. Electric.
He says to pay attention to red flags like rodent droppings, skeletons, or noises of scurrying or banging in your walls. Evidence of rodent activity could also include loose pieces of insulation, damaged wires, or holes in walls.
“If you suspect or discover a rodent problem, contact a licensed pest control professional immediately,” says Fredericks.
Springtime is upon us and the milder days of spring are a perfect time to do a thorough spring cleaning and perform home maintenance. After a long winter, it is a good idea to spend time on preventive measures to help maintain your home and property throughout the year. Tasks such as cleaning out your gutters, checking for dead trees and branches and cleaning and inspecting home mechanical and plumbing systems, such as heating and air conditioning equipment, can help make spring a season of safety.
Cleaning and maintenance of your home should be done inside and out. Although the tasks are different, checking to see if all the elements of your home are in good working order can help keep your family safe and your maintenance expenses lower over the long run. And if a task is overwhelming and you want to leave it up to the pros, call us for referrals!
EnergySage | Updated Sep 5, 2024
One of the biggest benefits of going solar is that it’s pretty much a “set it and forget it” way to power your home with renewable energy. But for solar homeowners, depending on where you live, you’ll still need to clean your solar panels once or twice a year to ensure you’re getting the maximum energy benefit from your solar investment. Cleaning your solar panels is a relatively simple process though, and you can easily do it yourself or hire a professional service to take care of it for you.
Cleaning your solar energy system helps maximize your panels’ efficiency by allowing them to absorb the most sunlight possible. When dust or other particles cover your panels, it means they won’t be able to produce as much power — and ultimately that means you’ll lose some of the financial benefits of going solar. That’s why it’s important to keep up your solar panel maintenance, and clean them about every six months if you live in a dry or dusty environment.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions that solar panel system owners have about solar panel maintenance and how to clean them safely.
Key takeaways
Solar panels usually only need to be cleaned once or twice a year, or even less if it rains a lot where you live.
Cleaning your solar energy system helps maximize your panel efficiency by allowing it to absorb the most sunlight possible.
You can clean your solar panels yourself, or hire a professional cleaning service to do it for you.
Solar panels don’t require any special cleaning equipment and can be cleaned with basic tools you probably already have at home like a garden hose, rag, and dish soap.
Your solar panels need to be exposed to sunlight to produce power. If they get dirty or build up layers of grime and dust over time, those pollutants and particles will prevent your panels from absorbing as much sunlight as possible, which is known as soiling. In certain areas of the U.S., the energy lost from soiling each year is as high as 7%, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
But there’s good news, too. Solar panel cleaning is often unnecessary unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog, dust, dirt, grime, or sand blowing around. In most areas of the country, occasional rain is typically enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower their energy production.
But a good clean every once in a while can always help maximize your panel’s photovoltaic (PV) production no matter where you live. So if you need or want to clean your solar panels, here are the smartest and most efficient ways to get your panels washed off and producing the maximum amount of energy possible.
Just like washing your car, you can DIY solar panel upkeep, but there are also professional solar panel cleaners to make it easier. For a small fee, your original solar installer may even do it for you. If you have a rooftop system, enlisting a cleaning service might be a good idea, if only for safety precautions, as professionals will have more experience using high ladders to reach your roof, for example.
A professional solar panel cleaning company may not necessarily do a significantly better job than you can, but they’re likely better equipped to clean and maintain rooftop units safely and already have all of the necessary equipment. Plus, professional solar panel cleaning will usually only cost you around $150-$300, or $15-$30 per panel.
Professional cleaning may not be worth the cost for ground mount units, because you can safely and effectively clean your panels with a water hose, some dish soap, and a soft rag without having to climb onto your roof.
Types of professional cleaning
Various types of professional cleaning companies can help you. For example, robotics companies use semi-autonomous machines to clean without as much direct personal work involved. Some maintenance companies also use soapless brushes and sponges to clean panels to avoid potentially harmful residues. Other high-tech cleaning processes are currently being developed, including waterless vibration and nanoparticle coatings.
Does your solar lease cover panel maintenance?
Solar lease agreements will often include a maintenance clause, but keep in mind that it can sometimes be hard to wrangle the company to come perform any maintenance once they’ve installed your system.
If you own your solar panels, some companies will perform regular maintenance on their panels, including washing services, while others will repair damages the customer reports. You’ll need to read the print of your agreement to figure out whether cleaning services are included. It’s important to remember that solar panels generally require little maintenance, and spraying them down with a hose occasionally can usually take care of most of the dust and debris.
Here’s our EnergySage step-by-step guide on the best ways to clean your solar panels:
Shut off your solar panel system – this ensures your safety and that your equipment won’t get damaged.
Use a soft brush to clean the surface of your dirty solar panels to remove debris like dirt and dust. Never use a rough or coarse brush as it could damage your panels.
When cleaning your panels with water, use a standard garden hose and soapy water. You don’t need to purchase any particular cleaning solution to clean your panels; regular dish soap will work perfectly. Avoid any strong cleaning agents like bleach that could damage your panels. You should also avoid using any type of high-pressure hose that you might use for things like power washing your house, as they can create cracks or otherwise damage your system.
Use lukewarm water when cleaning your panels as very hot or cold water could also damage your panels.
After you’ve finished the cleaning process, check your panels’ energy output so you can see how much more efficient they are after cleaning.
What should you use to clean your solar panels?
When cleaning your solar panels, the most important consideration to remember is that scratching or damaging the glass in any way will reduce a panel’s energy production – much more than any removable soot or dust build up will. The smartest way to clean your solar panels is to approach the process the same way you would clean your car. Dish soap and clean water applied with a soft sponge or cloth is the safest and easiest cleaning method. It may also be helpful to use a squeegee to remove dirty water. Remember: Avoid damaging or scratching the glass at all costs.
On rare occasions, oily stains can appear on your panels. You might find these if you live near a common truck route or an airport, and they can be tackled with a bit of isopropyl alcohol and a rag. You may be tempted to use strong cleaning detergents like bleach as a fix, but they can leave streaks, damage the glass, and impact the efficiency of the panel, so avoid using them.
How often should you clean your solar panels?
You should clean your solar panels about every six months. Of course, the frequency of solar panel cleaning depends primarily on where you live. For example, if you live somewhere where it rains a lot, you may need to clean your panels less often than if you live somewhere dry and dusty where debris builds up more quickly.
In desert climates, including the U.S. Southwest, more regular cleaning is needed due to the large amount of dust and sand that can affect a solar energy system’s output.
Areas near highways, factories, and airports tend to be more polluted, so solar panels should be cleaned more frequently to avoid residue buildup from pollutants that could result from heavy traffic and machinery nearby.
Solar panels should be frequently cleaned in heavily wooded areas to prevent obstructions like overgrown vegetation and bird droppings.
Should you remove snow from your solar panels?
In the winter, snow on solar panels generally doesn’t need to be removed – it will typically slide off on its own. Most panel installations are tilted at an angle, and snow will naturally slide off as it melts. If snow persists on your panels, you can invest in tools like a solar panel snow rake, which makes it easy for homeowners to remove snow covering on solar panels safely.
But it’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t use a standard broom, shovel, or any other non-specialized tool to remove snow from panels; they can scratch the panel glass which will lower your solar power production.
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