Summer is just a few months away, and we all have to get prepared to welcome this season of popsicles and late warm evenings. The time of grilling, gardening, and long evenings outside, it is also the time to open windows, dust off the patio set, and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Well, not only that summer is also about preparing your home for this season. Completing the maintenance in your home will require time and months before to make for it, so why not get ready beforehand. We have compiled a list of the most important chores to prep your house for the warm weather and save you time and money in the long run.
1. Prevent water damage – Summer brings in heavy rains and thunderstorms, so protecting your house against water damage is one of the most important things you do. Check your foundation, your basement for cracks and leaks. Build up dirt or place grates outside your house to direct away from the foundation.
2. Install a programmable thermostat. These nifty devices allow you to set automatic temperature controls for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. Keep temperatures higher when your family isn’t home to keep costs low.
3. Replace your air filter. Your HVAC system’s air filter gets a lot more use during the summer. Check it every thirty days throughout the summer; replace it when necessary.
4. Practice smart landscaping. Now is one of the best times to utilize those green thumbs. Strategically planting shrubs and leafy trees near your home’s windows is an excellent way to prevent those same windows from transferring excess heat into your home.
5. Install exterior window coverings. If you aren’t able to use nature to your advantage, another great way to protect windows is by adding awnings or screen shades to shade their exterior side.
6. Update your home’s insulation. Pay close attention to your attic and the levels between your home’s conditioned and unconditioned spaces. Extra insulation can be added on top of existing material, but consider contacting a professional for appropriate installation and removal.
7. Use smart door techniques. Mom had it right when she was yelling about letting all the cold air out. When the air conditioner is on and running, every opened door and window leaks out valuable energy. Keep unnecessary trips to and from the house at a low to keep your energy bill similarly low.
7. Clean your refrigerator coils. Refrigerators can cause surprisingly high energy usage, especially when they’re not operating efficiently. To get the best performance from your unit, dust it off and clean up those condensing coils.
9. Install ceiling fans in high-trafficked rooms. Ceiling fans operate on a wind-chill effect by pulling warm air up against the ceiling and then pushing it down against the walls to simulate a chilled breeze. For this effect to work, you’ll want to ensure your home’s fans are turning in a counter-clockwise rotation.
10. Search out and seal any air leaks. Stop cooling the outside by ensuring your home is properly sealed. Test the stripping and caulking around your doors and windows and replace where needed.
11. Call in the professionals. While a handy homeowner can easily do many of these preparation tips, a professional energy assessment can discern the best techniques for your home. By calling in-home energy experts, you’ll better understand where your home is losing energy, how to remedy the situation, and which rebates and discounts are available to make your upgrades both energy and cost-efficient.
