DAPHNE, ALABAMA (June 26, 2018) — With summer officially underway, more people are heading outdoors to tackle projects and enjoy fun-in-the-sun. Home improvement expert and host of “Today’s Homeowner”, Danny Lipford, launched a national media event today to deliver advice for homeowners to maximize outdoor enjoyment, and help their homes thrive during the hottest season of the year.

Broadcasting live from Daphne, AL, Lipford and his daughter, and co-host for “Today’s Homeowner,” Chelsea Lipford Wolf, connected with 22 television and radio hosts and a nationwide audience of more than 20 million viewers during the media event. The duo outlined top chores homeowners should tackle during the summer season.

Danny Lipford

“People naturally want to be outdoors with longer days and warm weather,” says Lipford.
“It’s the perfect time to survey the exterior of your home and take note of the areas that need attention.
Investing in a little cleaning and repair work now will make gatherings and cookouts that much more enjoyable for you and your guests all summer long.”

  • Flush AC drain line.
  • Flush AC drain line. Lipford recommends flushing the condensate (drain) line at least twice per year with a cup of household bleach to prevent clogs and leaks.
  • Inspect fireplace and chimney. Summer is an ideal time to get a professional out to your house for this important inspection. Scheduling an appointment is easy and some inspectors offer off-season rates. Beat the rush!
  • Inspect and repair damaged fences and decks. No one wants to leave a summer gathering with splinters or injury from a handrail or deck board in disrepair. Wolf recommends surveying all fencing and decking to make sure boards are secure and in good condition. Replace any protruding or loose nails with coated deck screws.
  • Clean and repair outdoor furniture.
  • Chelsea Lipford Wolf

    “Break out the pressure washer and give your patio furniture a nice shower to get it squeaky clean,” Wolf says.
    “If you have more delicate furnishings, it’s time for some good old-fashioned elbow grease with soap and a scrub brush.
    Having a fresh seating area will welcome family and guest for those summer barbecues!”

    While running down this summer checklist at her own home, Wolf noticed a split in one of her small outdoor table’s wooden slats, a common problem for outdoor wooden furniture. She was able to repair the split with wood glue, clamps and bungee cords. For outdoor wood repair projects, Wolf likes to use Titebond wood glue, which she shared with viewers. Wolf recommends Titebond III because it has strong initial tack, and its waterproof formula helps repairs hold up and stay secure both indoors or out.

    Lipford continued the tour by discussing tips to care for the hardest working summer system in the home – the air conditioner. To ensure a unit is working to its best ability, Lipford recommended scheduling an annual professional inspection and tune-up to optimize efficiency and safety.

    Even with the best maintenance and AC system in place, some homes still have a stubborn room or area that doesn’t ever seem to cool properly. Lipford offered a solution to viewers by introducing them to a new Ductless System, available from Carrier. Ductless systems are perfect for spaces like attics, Florida rooms, garages and additions. They can be installed in less than one day and are designed to be extremely energy efficient, making them inexpensive to operate. Additionally, the unit Lipford showcased (SEER 42 Ductless Mini Split) offers major humidity control, which means it takes less energy to cool a space, and will stay cooler longer.

    Lipford wrapped up the tour by sharing several no-cost and low-cost tips to keep things cool indoors, and reduce energy consumption:

    • Utilize ceiling fans (running counterclockwise) when occupying rooms to create a cooling breeze.
    • Close curtains and blinds to keep solar heat out.
    • Strategically plant trees or shrubs to deflect direct sunlight.
    • Use an outdoor grill or slow cooker to prepare meals to reduce heat and humidity indoors.
    • Save chores for off-peak hours to reduce heat emitted by appliances.
    • Turn off and unplug electronics when not in use. Plugged in gadgets use energy and emit heat.
    • Use portable fans to direct air from cooler rooms into rooms getting more sunlight.
    • Damper down (or slightly close) the AC registers in cooler rooms to increase the amount of cool air flowing into the room that gets the most sunlight. Don’t close off a vent completely!

    The media event was sponsored by Titebond and Carrier. A broadcast-ready clip with Lipford’s advice is available to the media. Find more summer living tips and home improvement advice at TodaysHomeowner.com.

    About Today’s Homeowner Media

    “Today’s Homeowner” is a trusted home improvement authority delivering fresh, original, practical advice to consumers across diverse media platforms including the top-rated, nationally syndicated “Today’s Homeowner” television show, now in its 20th season and its radio counterpart, the nationally syndicated Today’s Homeowner” radio show.

    Additionally, the media brand hosts the top home enthusiast destination website, TodaysHomeowner.com, drawing more than 2 million monthly visitors, robust social media channels and the award-winning lifestyle blog and web series, “Checking In With Chelsea.”3 Echoes Productions,the professional production arm of the brand, serves an impressive national clientele with expert video services.

    Host and founder of the brand, Danny Lipford, is among the most sought-after home improvement experts in the country. The seasoned remodeling contractor and media personality served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s “The Early Show” and The Weather Channel for over a decade and has made more than 190 national television appearances on “FOX&Friends,” “Inside Edition,” “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” FOX Business Channel, “Rachael Ray” and more.

    He travels the country making appearances as a brand ambassador and spokesperson, and contributes expertise to hundreds of popular magazines and online media outlets each year.