Stop the Summer Homeowner Blues. Summer’s Most Annoying Home Problems, Solved

Summertime and the living should be easy—but not if you’re dealing with irritating noises, uncomfortable room temperatures, and other pesky home annoyances. We’ve got answers to five common home issues that may be driving you crazy—with solutions on how to handle them like a pro.

1. Dripping Air Conditioners
   Do you constantly hear a nagging drip, drip, drip that seems like it will never stop? The culprit may be your window air conditioner dripping water onto the unit below. 
   Solution: Stop the incessant sound of water plopping onto your window air conditioner from above with our Air Conditioner Drip Cushion. This waterproof cushion dampens the sound of drips, plus it has a magnetic back so it holds securely to the top of your unit and it can be easily trimmed to the right size.


2. Condensation Around Pipes
   Speaking of drips, do you notice condensation around the cold water pipes in your basement or crawl space? Sweating pipes happen when warm, humid air circulates around cold pipes. While this might seem like no big deal, even this small amount of water can cause structural damage and promote the growth of mold and mildew.
   Solution: If you notice condensation or “sweating” on cold water pipes, installing pipe insulation is a quick and easy DIY project that will fix the problem. Frost King makes self-sealing Tubular Foam and Rubber Pipe Insulation that slips over pipes quickly and easily. You just cut them to the right length and slide them into place, then press the adhesive-coated ends together for a tight seal. Use pipe insulation with our pre-formed Tee and Elbow connections to make the job a lot easier.


3. Leaky doors, windows, and air conditioners
   Do you feel hot outside air coming into your home through gaps around windows, doors, and window AC units? Hot outside air makes your home feel warmer so your air conditioner needs to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature.
   Solution: Sealing air leaks is an easy, fast, and inexpensive way to save on cooling costs all summer long. Block cracks or gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk, and add weatherseal around window AC units. Don't forget to check for drafts around electrical outlets and switch plates and add Electric Outlet Sealers to keep rooms nice and cool.


4. Broken Window Screens
   There’s nothing better than a gentle breeze on a hot summer’s day—but torn or missing window screens make it impossible to let fresh air waft into your home without inviting in pesky insects, too.
   Solution: Repair or replace damaged screens so you can throw open windows without worry. You can patch minor holes yourself with Self-Attaching Screen Patches. If the screening has large tears but the frame is in good shape, you can simply replace the screening entirely (this post explains how). For screens that are beyond repair, our W.B. Marvin Adjustable Window Screens slide to adjust to fit any window without tools and are easy to install and remove.


5. Inconsistent Room Temperatures
   One of the more frustrating aspects of summer is living with inconsistent temperatures: Some rooms are iceboxes while others feel like a sauna.
   Solution: Dirty filters, blocked vents, or ductwork issues can all contribute to uneven cooling. Replace HVAC filters regularly, check that furniture isn’t blocking vents, and have your ducts cleaned and inspected.

Fans or portable air conditioners can provide extra cooling in warmer rooms. If you have ceiling fans, make sure the fan blades are set to rotate counter-clockwise so they push cool air down (look for the switch on the fan’s motor). Closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day can also help block out excess sunlight and heat, keeping rooms cooler.

Adding an air deflector to vents regulates inconsistent room temperatures. These plastic covers attach to vent covers magnetically and can be adjusted to direct cool air downwards during the summer to make rooms feel more comfortable. In the winter, you just flip them up to point warm air up into your rooms. Watch this video for installation tips.