Temperatures rise during the summer months, and your home can quickly become uncomfortably hot. If you don’t take the proper precautions, the heat can also lead to serious health problems. It is crucial to prepare your home for the summer heat to prevent these problems.
The procedure could cost a considerable amount of money, so it is vital to be proactive and start early. However, it’s worth the cost because your family’s health and comfort remain a priority.
The following tips will help you prepare your home for the summer heat:
Check Your Home’s Insulation
If your home doesn’t have proper insulation, the heat will quickly escape through the walls and roof. It will make your home harder to cool and increase your energy bills. To check your insulation, look for cracks or gaps in the walls and ceilings.
Also, observe the attic to see if heat or light is coming through the roof. If you find some areas that need insulation, seal them with caulk or weather-stripping. You can also contact a professional to conduct an energy audit.
Install Window Coverings
Window coverings help keep the heat out and the cool air in the room. If you don’t have window coverings, install them because you can find some that fit your needs and budget. Some of the most popular options include blinds, shades, and curtains.
However, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, avoid using flammable materials. Adding screen shades and awnings is also a great way to keep your home cool.
Update your HVAC system
One of the most important ways to prepare your home for the summer heat is to make sure your HVAC system is up-to-date. If you have an older system, it may not be able to handle the demands of a hot summer.
Consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model. You should also have your system serviced by a professional before the summer season begins to ensure that it runs correctly and keeps your home cool all summer long. Remember to replace the filters to ensure the HVAC system is running smoothly.
You may install a multi-split air conditioner to cover different rooms in real-time. The beauty is that its several indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit fit in different locations, including floor standing, bulkhead units, and ceiling cassettes, among other areas. In other words, it’s cost-efficient compared to traditional air conditioners because it serves a task that deserves different devices to execute.
Installing a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will help you save money on your energy bills and keep your home comfortable all summer long. You can set the thermostat to turn on the air conditioning when you need it and turn it off when you don’t.
The technique helps you stay cool without wasting energy. You may lower costs by keeping temperatures high when the family is away at work or school and then cooling the house down just before everyone arrives home.
Check Your Windows and Doors
Ensure proper insulation of windows and doors and no gaps or cracks. If you find any areas that need repair, do so as soon as possible. You can also install storm doors and windows to help keep the heat out.
Recommended doors and windows have a low U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). The U-factor measures the heat transfer rate, and the SHGC measures the intensity of solar radiation admitted.
Check Your Landscaping
Your landscaping can also play a role in keeping your home cool during the summer. If you have trees on your property, trim them and ensure they are not blocking the sun from reaching your home.
You should also consider planting trees on the east and west sides of your home to provide shade. If you have a lot of concrete on your property, consider planting ground cover to help keep the area cool.
Potted plants are also a great way to keep your home cool. They help to absorb heat and can provide natural cooling.
Install or Repair Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans keep your home cool and can help you save money on your energy bills. If you already have ceiling fans, make sure they are in good working order. You should also clean the blades to ensure they are working properly. In addition, remember to reverse the direction of the blades to create a wind-chill effect that will keep your home cool.
Consider Tinting Your Windows
Window film helps to reflect the sun’s rays and can keep your home cooler. It is also a great way to reduce glare and increase privacy. Choose one that fits your needs from different varieties in the market.
Wrapping Up
These are some of the recommended techniques for ensuring your home remains safe during summer. You may implement some or all the tips for the best results. However, start with the sensitive ones, especially the interior, where you’ll spend most of the time.
Landscaping and window tinting are also important, but you can implement them later. Concisely, a timely preparation for the summer and other seasons is critical to avoid health issues and other environmental hazards.
