How To Get Your Home Summer Ready
May 29, 2020Spring cleanings are over and spring fevers are going away. Now, it’s that time of the year for barbeques, bugs, and lazy hazy days of soaking up the sun. It all sounds nice and fun. But, what about your homes? We all put this effort into prepping it for winter, spring, and fall. But, it needs some summer lovin’ too. So, here are some tips and tricks to summer proof your home and keep those bills, bugs, and roofs in check.
Checkup Your Air Conditioner
Before the weather gets a little too warm, make sure that your AC is in perfect working order. You don’t want to spend days baking in the summer heat, do you? Start by cleaning out your air filters. It should be changed every month or at least every two months. Make sure to clean around the air conditioning unit and vents too. Then, test out your AC. Call in a professional if it needs a little fixing up. Now would also be a great time to consider installing a thermostat if you don’t have one already. They can greatly help you save energy and money in the long run.
Check For Ventilation Leaks
There’s no need to cool the outdoors too. Cold air leaking out is just a waste of energy and money. So, make sure to check for leaks like drafts in your windows and doors. You should also check your attics, basements, and around pipes and ductwork. Although it seems counterintuitive, you can try adding insulation to your home. The better insulated your walls, floors, and ceilings are, the less conditioned air will leak out.
Safeguard Against Water Damage
Summer isn’t just hot and sticky. Sometimes, it can also be stormy and dangerous. Occasionally, rainstorms can cause floods. Make sure to protect your home from this by first checking the foundation. Look for cracks and holes and seal them up tight. Check your windows and doors too. Then, check your gutters. Make sure they’re clean and that water is flowing away from your home not towards it. Lastly, check your roof and do the necessary repairs that are needed to be done. You should create your own storm emergency kit while you’re at it as well.
Bug Proof Your Home
Bugs love summer. And bugs also love your home. If you don’t want a heaping load of them as your summer roommate though, one thing you can do is make sure that your home is properly sealed. Check for any gaps, cracks, or caulks on your windows and doors. You can also get a professional to spray the outside of your home with pesticides. There are also plenty of pest control products you can buy without the need for the services of professionals.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Direction
First off, take the time to clean your ceiling fan. In the months it wasn’t frequently used, it would’ve accumulated heaps of dust. Then, switch up its direction. In the winter, your ceiling fan is meant to go clockwise to help distribute heat around the room. But, in the summer, it should go counter-clockwise to get a nice cool breeze going.
Transform Your Deck or Balcony
To get the most of the summer sun, prepare a space where you can simply lounge, relax, or entertain some guests. A deck or balcony speckled with summer items and decor is the perfect place to do that. So, dust-up those old spots, get some chairs, benches, or a blanket out there, and create your cozy summer spot. Maybe you can even take up a little bit of gardening here.
Use Energy Saving Tips
Come in summer are higher bills. But, that doesn’t always have to be the case. There are plenty of ways you can save up on your bills. For instance, use more natural light or install a thermostat. You can also opt to open more windows to let a good breeze in rather than always depending on your AC. Check out all these tips online and see what works for you.
