Who doesn’t love summer? The warm weather, the long days, the chance to get out and enjoy all that nature offers. The beach dates and lemonade parties, and outdoor barbecues. But as much as we all love basking in the sun and owning that tan, it’s essential to stay safe during the hotter months.
Well, that’s about you and your home both!
There are a handful of things you may do to ensure your house is ready for the heat and stays cool and comfy throughout the summer. You don’t want your energy bills to beat Elon Musk’s net worth now, do you?
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Consider Decluttering
Living in one of the hottest states like Mississippi, Texas, or Hawaii, where the summers are long, and winters are short, keeping your houses cool during these long humid summers may seem like a struggle. If you ever find yourself in one of those situations where you’ve done everything in your power to block the heat, but the temperature seems to keep rising, a cluttered house might be to blame.
Even if your house is clean and dust-free, a stuffy home may seem like it lacks sufficient ventilation. The more stuffy it gets, the more it will feel closed off from fresh air, and the air inside will be stale, leaving the residents huffy and suffocated. The first thing you need to do is rent a temperature-controlled storage unit that can keep your valuable belongings safe and far away from home.
If you are contemplating where to locate a storage unit, try looking up ‘storage units near me’ or ‘Brandon MS storage units’ (or wherever you live in one of these states) and see what comes up. Humid states usually have air-conditioned storage units for storing valuables over an extended period, so finding one nearby won’t be a problem.
Insulation Isn’t Only for Winter Months
You might not think about insulation in the summer, but it’s just as important then as it is in the winter. Proper insulation will assist in keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s a win-win!
Insulation is needed the most on your roof and walls since these are the surfaces that receive the most sun. The insulation layer will keep your house safe throughout all seasons, allowing you to enjoy it all year long.
If you’re not sure if your home is adequately insulated, you can always hire an energy auditor to take a look. They’ll be able to help you dredge up the spot where the house is losing energy and how to deal with it.
Ceiling Fans are Your Friends
Takedown holiday decorations, pack them in a box, drop them in a self-storage unit and put up some ceiling fans! Yes, we said that in a go! Because it is that important. Ceiling fans are an excellent way to circulate air throughout your home and keep things cool. Just be sure to set them to spin counter-clockwise so they push the air downward.
You can also use floor fans or stand fans to help cool things off. Just be heedful not to place them too close to any furniture or curtains, as they can cause them to blow around and create a mess.
Window Treatments
First things first, invest in some good quality window treatments. Blackout curtains, shutters, or even extendable blinds will help keep the heat out and prevent your air conditioner from working overtime. Not to mention, they’ll also help you sleep better at night!
Also, remember that the fiery ball of hot gases (read sun) moves throughout the day, so adjust your window treatments accordingly. You don’t want the sun seeping in and turning your living room into a sauna at noon!
Examine Valves and Hoses
Leaks, in general, are considered to be more common during the winter months, but you may expect flooding anytime it’s sweltering outside. Hoses and valves are the main reasons for overflowing water. Now is also an excellent time to check your hoses to ensure they’re not cracked or brittle. If they are, they could burst during the summer when the temperatures rise. And guess what that means? No water for you!
Washing machines and faucets have connections that can become loose or bust from overuse. One of the first problems you may encounter involves valves and hoses because they are easily exploitable. A professional plumber’s visit to tighten the valves is a good start to your home preparation. Also, request that your plumber check the valves for wear and tear.
Change the HVAC Filters
During the summer, you rely on your air conditioning system, so it must not fail. You want it to operate at maximum efficiency and deliver as much chilly air as feasible. You may extend its lifespan by changing old filters and increasing its efficiency.
Filters clog with particles from the air, and as you increase their speed in the heat, they gather even more debris. Cleaning your air filters can help your air conditioner use less energy by 5% to 15%.
Make sure you’re adhering to a regular procedure for changing old filters. Consult a maintenance expert to learn when best to cycle out filters.
Install Window and Door Weather Stripping
Hot air seeps in through cracks around doors and windows, making your home less comfortable and costing you money. You can prevent this by sealing the gaps with weather stripping.
Weather stripping is a sealant that helps to fill any space between two surfaces, such as a door and its frame. It’s usually made of foam or rubber and is easy to install yourself. Just measure the area before buying, so you get the right size!
You can also use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps around your windows and doors. Caulk is more permanent than weather stripping, so it is better for smaller damages.
Some Creative Tips
- Hang a wet towel over an open window. The evaporation will help cool things down.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and place it in the fridge. Spritz yourself with it when you need a quick pick-me-up.
- Make some homemade popsicles! They’ll help you stay cool and hydrated at the same time.
- Keep a bowl of ice water in front of a fan. The fan will blow the cold air around the room and help lower the temperature.
With these tips, your home will be safe from hot weather hazards. Just be sure to take care of any potential problems before they arise, and you’ll be good to go! Stay cool, everyone!
