10 Ways to Help Prepare Your Home for a Hot Summer

If you live in a region where summers can get quite warm, now is the time to get your house ready for it. A hot summer can turn your home into an unpleasant and even dangerous environment if proper precautions are not taken. Below are ten suggestions to get your house ready for the summer heat.

1. You Should Clean and Service Your Air Conditioner

During the warmer months, your air conditioner will likely work longer hours than usual. Ensure the filters and coils are clean, and maybe even call a maintenance technician. For example, if you live in Oklahoma City, searching on google for residential heat and air in OKC will inform you about several options available.

2. Window And Door Inspection and Sealing

If you have drafty windows or doors, you can expect to pay more for heating your home. Look for spaces around your windows and doors, and fill them with caulk or weather stripping if you find any.

3. Block The Sun with Curtains or Blinds

Sunlight can heat a home, so using curtains and blinds to block it can help. You could purchase heat-blocking blackout drapes or blinds.

4. Mounting Ceiling Fans

Using ceiling fans to cool down your home is a smart financial move. Because they move the air around, you may notice a temperature drop.

5. Trees And Bushes Should Be Planted

Natural shade from trees and shrubs can drastically cut cooling and heating bills. Place them in the ground in a strategic manner, focusing on the south and west sides of your house.

6. Put Insulation in the Attic

If your attic is properly insulated, hot air won't be able to enter your home. In the winter, it can help keep the heat in your house. If additional insulation is required, it should be considered.

7. Consider Using Reflective Roofing Materials or of Light Color

A home's interior temperature can be maintained at a more comfortable level by using light or otherwise reflective roofing materials. Roofing replacement is a good opportunity to use these products.

8. Empty The Gutters

Leaves and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and impede their ability to drain water. This can lead to leaks and mold infestations. Regular gutter cleaning can keep these problems at bay.

9. Wrap Your Windows with Film

A lot of the sun's heat can be reflected into space when you install window film, drastically reducing cooling and heating costs. Furthermore, it's a less expensive option than getting new windows installed.

10. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Home heating costs can be lowered by using energy-efficient appliances. Think about upgrading to newer, more efficient models when it comes to your home's appliances.

A Rundown of The Features to Look for When Purchasing an Air Conditioner

Investing in a reliable home air conditioning system is crucial. A well-maintained air conditioner keeps you comfortable during the warm summer months and contributes to better indoor air quality. Here are some things to consider before purchasing a new air conditioner for your house.

Ratings of Efficacy

Consider the system's efficiency rating carefully before making a purchase. A higher efficiency rating indicates that the system uses less energy. Air conditioners with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 14 or higher are the most energy-efficient models.

The Scale of Your AC Unit

If you want your home to be effectively cooled, you need to install an air conditioning system of the appropriate size. Both an undersized and a large system will be inefficient, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature in your home. If you want to know how big of an air conditioner you need, a professional can help you.

Details and Extras

Think about all the extras that come with your air conditioner. Thermostats that can be programmed, air purifiers, and devices compatible with smart homes are just a few features to consider.

Upkeep and Alterations

Before buying an air conditioner, consider how often it will need maintenance and how much it will cost to fix if it breaks. Try to find a system with a long warranty that is simple to maintain.

The Benefits of Investing in Energy-Efficient Curtains and Shades

Curtains and shades can make your home cozy and energy efficient. Window treatments can block the sun's heat and keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Benefits of energy-efficient curtains and shades are discussed below:

Protect Furniture and Flooring

Furniture and flooring are especially vulnerable to the sun's rays, which can cause them to fade or discolor over time. Curtains and blinds made from energy-efficient materials can shield your furniture and flooring from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Enhance Home Décor

You can easily find the perfect match for your home's decor among the many different styles and colors available for energy-efficient curtains and shades. Adding the right window treatments to your home can not only make it more comfortable and attractive, but also help you save money on your energy bills.

Increase Comfort

Blocking the sun's rays in the summertime can help keep your home at a comfortable temperature and reduce your energy bill. If you do this, you may find that you can turn off the air conditioner during the summer months.

Conclusion

Ensure your AC works properly, add insulation, and close your blinds or curtains to keep the cool air inside. Doing so can help you save money on energy costs while also enhancing your home's healthy environment.

Guest Contributor: Regina Thomas