Preparing your home for summer means eliminating pesky budget issues when the weather gets hot. No matter what your climate is, the weather will heat up this year and there are some basic things you can do inside and out of your home to make sure you aren’t feeling the burn of budget restrictions in the heat of the summer. Read our post about Winterizing Your Home.
Preparing Your Home For Summer
Update insulation if possible. This is a big expense, but can be something you save to accomplish. An update to insulation in your attic and exterior walls can make a huge difference in your utility bills in the summer (and winter). It is very likely you can save as much as you spend in just one year. This is a great way to prepare your home for summer that will have a long term effect that reflects in your household budget for years to come.
Add window coverings. Summer sun is beautiful, but when it beats down through your windows into your home it can increase the inside temperature. Add window coverings such as thicker curtains, mini-blinds or even some window tinting to cut back on the summer sun and rising temperatures from your windows.
Seal leaks on windows, doors and around the attic or basement. Leaks on windows, doors and around your home can not only let warm air out in winter, but let hot air in during the summer. Even if you updated last fall, make sure to go over each window, door and those outside areas like your under home crawl space, attic access or even just around the roof line and gutters to make sure there are no openings, holes or leaks that could be letting hot air into your home during the summer months.
Install ceiling fans in every room. Ceiling fans are an amazing addition to your home. For under $100 each (many only $50), you can grab a ceiling fan and add to your home. These help circulate cool air in your home, and often give you the ability to keep the thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer thus creating some much needed wiggle room in your household utility budget.
Have your air conditioner charged. Before the extreme heats set in, you really should take the time and give your HVAC company a call. Have them come check duct work to make sure it is in place, clean out any debris around your unit if needed and make sure to charge your unit if it is in need. Getting started with a fresh foot forward is the best way to begin the summer. A unit that has problems in the heat of summer can leave you with a large unexpected bill, as well as some yucky hot days.
Plant Trees. While this doesn’t pay off immediately, planting trees around your home can provide wonderful shade and will have a cooling effect on your home in the summer. Also, make sure that trees are placed strategically to provide the most shade, and select a tree that will grow big enough to provide adequate shade to your home. Make sure to plant the tree far enough from the foundation that roots will not create cracks in your foundation as well.
These tips for preparing your home for summer are all about keeping you and your family nice and cool all summer long without breaking the bank.
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