The snow has melted, the swimming pool has finally warmed up, and you can wear your favorite shorts again – spring is here, which means summer is right around the corner!
But before you start soaking up the summer sun, there are some things you need to do to prepare your home for the warmer weather. To protect your home and save money on cooling costs and water bills, just follow these 7 simple steps.
1. Make sure your air conditioner is in working order
Your air conditioner is going to be working overtime as soon as the first heat wave rolls in, so making sure it’s in good shape is a must. The first thing you’ll want to do is change the air filter so that air can circulate as freely as possible throughout your home.
Next, you’ll want to test your AC unit to make sure it’s running smoothly. It’s recommended that you have your AC system serviced by an HVAC professional at least once a year in the spring so that it works as efficiently as possible in the summer. Also keep in mind that if your unit is more than 15 years old, it might be time for a replacement.
Another way to save money on summer cooling costs is to invest in one of the best portable air conditioners available. Instead of relying solely on your central AC, you can use a portable air conditioner to cool only the room you’re using.
2. Check gutters and downspouts for leaks
Over the winter, your gutters and downspouts can become damaged by snow and ice. Before the warm rainy season starts, use a hose to run water through your gutters so that you can check for leaks.
3. Check your sprinklers
To keep your lawn looking great without wasting water, check to make sure your sprinklers are working properly long before your grass starts looking dry. Check for broken sprinkler heads, pressure surges, and debris that may be clogging your sprinkler heads.
4. Inspect the roof
Months of heavy snowfall can wreak havoc on your home’s roof. To prevent water damage during the summer months, either climb up on the roof or use binoculars to inspect it from across the street.
If you notice any problems, such as curled, cracked, or missing shingles, get in touch with a roofer right away – you don’t want to wait until the middle of the rainy season!
5. Inspect the attic
Another way to check the condition of your home’s roof is to inspect the attic. Keep an eye out for signs of water damage such as wet spots in the insulation, mold, and mildew.
You’ll also want to make sure no furry creatures crawled into your home’s attic looking for a warm place to sleep. Check for animal droppings and seal any holes they might have entered from.
You don’t want to wait until your attic is as stuffy as a sauna to check things out – the best time to do an attic inspection is early to mid-spring.
6. Make your home bug-proof
Ants, roaches, and spiders, oh my! When the temperature outside rises, these annoying little pests like to make their way into our homes.
Bug-proof your home before the warm weather sets in by checking for any gaps in the spaces between windows and doors and sealing them with weather stripping. Then, create an insect barrier by spraying pesticide around the outer perimeter of your home and in the cracks of windows and doorways.
7. Plan for severe weather
Summer might bring bikinis and martinis, but it can also bring severe and unpredictable weather. While you can’t prevent a hurricane, wildfire, or flood from happening, there are several ways to prepare your home and family.
Have an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, water, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities ready at all times. Know which rooms in your home are safest during a storm, such as a basement or a hallway. By having an action plan in case of a disaster, you’ll be able to spend your summer relaxing instead of worrying.
Author: Ellie Wiseman
