Summer brings warmth, sunshine, and outdoor fun. However, the heat can also present challenges for your home. There are some general guidelines on how to prepare your home for summer so you can enjoy the season in comfort.
Check Your Cooling Systems While You Prepare Your Home for Summer
Your air conditioning unit is crucial for maintaining a cool home during the sweltering months. Schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s in top shape. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting ducts for leaks. Additionally, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat, which allows you to set temperature schedules, saving energy and keeping your home comfortably cool when needed.
Ceiling and portable fans circulate cool air throughout your home. Clean the blades to remove dust and dirt that can reduce efficiency and circulate allergens. Make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
Enhance Your Home’s Insulation
Improving your home’s insulation is another critical step. Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping to prevent cool air from escaping, and apply caulk to seal any gaps or cracks in windows, doors, and siding. Reflective blinds, shades, and thermal curtains help keep your home cool by blocking out heat during the hottest parts of the day.
Optimize Your Outdoor Space
Optimizing your outdoor space can make your summer more enjoyable. For garden and lawn care, set up a watering schedule for early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Apply mulch to your garden beds to retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and keep your grass at a higher length to shade the roots and retain moisture.
Clean and inspect outdoor furniture for any damage that needs repair. Setting up umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas creates shaded areas for relaxation, making your outdoor space more comfortable.
Improve Home Energy Efficiency When You Prepare Your Home for Summer
Improving your home’s energy efficiency is vital for comfort and cost savings. Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs that emit less heat and use heat-generating appliances like ovens and dryers during cooler parts of the day. Installing solar panels can help harness the sun’s energy and reduce electricity bills, while solar-powered lights for your garden and pathways add an eco-friendly touch.
Conduct Safety Checks
Safety checks are essential to ensure your home is prepared for summer-related hazards. Clean your grill thoroughly and place it away from any flammable structures. Test smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed. Ensure your first aid kit is stocked and easily accessible, and update and display emergency contact numbers.
Remember Pest Control When You Prepare Your Home for Summer
Pest control is another crucial aspect of summer home preparation. Seal cracks or gaps where pests could enter your home, maintain your yard by trimming bushes and removing standing water to reduce pest breeding grounds, and consider hiring a professional pest control service to treat your home and yard if needed.
Refresh Your Interior
Finally, refreshing your interior can give your home a new lease on life for the summer season. Declutter and get rid of unnecessary items to create a more open and airy feel. Perform a thorough deep cleaning, including carpets, curtains, and upholstery. Swap out heavy fabrics and dark colors for light, airy materials and bright summer hues. Bringing in some indoor plants can improve air quality and add a touch of nature to your living spaces.
Following these steps ensures a comfortable, energy-efficient, and enjoyable summer season in your home. Start early and take your time to make sure everything is in place for the sunny days ahead.
FAQs About Getting Your Home Summer-Ready
What are some ways to create shaded areas in my outdoor space?
You can create shaded areas by setting up umbrellas, installing awnings, building pergolas, or planting trees and tall plants that provide natural shade.
What steps should I take to ensure my home is safe from fire hazards during summer?
Ensure your grill is clean and away from flammable structures. Test and replace smoke detector batteries. Have a stocked first aid kit and updated emergency contact numbers readily available.
How often should I clean the blades of my ceiling fans?
It’s recommended to clean the blades of your ceiling fans at least once a month to maintain efficiency and improve air quality by reducing the circulation of dust and allergens.
Why is it important to schedule a professional inspection for my air conditioning unit before summer?
Scheduling a professional inspection ensures that your air conditioning unit operates efficiently, prevents potential breakdowns during the hottest months, and can help lower your energy bills by catching issues early.
TMK Inspections offers professional home inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Southeast Pennsylvania. Contact us to request our services.