Happy summer! I can’t believe today kicks off the 2013 summer season! I feel like the weeks are just flying by! (Wasn’t it just May?!)
As with each change of the season, there comes with it home preparation that needs to be done. While the summer weather is more mild than the snowy winter months (unless you’re one of the lucky ones like myself who doesn’t get snow!) there is still summer home preparation that should be taken care of sooner rather than later. Let me run down some easy summer home preparation tips that I recommend:
- Summer months can be hot. Really hot. If you own a home that has an attic, this is where a lot of hot air can collect (remember, hot air rises!) If you don’t own an attic fan or attic vent, consider getting one. Cooling down the attic can do wonders for cooling down your house as a whole.
- What kind of light bulbs are you using in your home? If you’re not using compact fluorescent bulbs, get with the times! Not only do compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL for short) burn at a lower temperature, but they also help to reduce your energy bill. It’s a win/win situation! The summer months are the perfect time to replace your light bulbs!
- In 2013, I can’t think of many houses that don’t have central air (or some other form of air conditioning!) If you have never changed your air conditioner’s filter, you’re doing it wrong! As with car air filters, AC filters can become dusty and dirty and in turn, not run as effectively. Make sure each summer season you’re cleaning and/or replacing your air filters!
- Invest in good drapes for your windows. I know it sounds crazy to suggest keeping the beautiful sunshine out of your home in the summer, but I promise this cools down your home. By keeping your drapes closed during the peak hours of the late morning/early afternoon, your home will definitely stay cooler in the summer months.
- Summer home preparation can also be done for the outside of your home. If you have a pool, it’s especially important to make sure the fence and gates surrounding the perimeter are safe and secure! What about your children’s play equipment? During the winter months, it’s easy for swing sets to rust or lose a bolt here and there. Add a safety check list of outdoor equipment to your summer home preparation!
- Make sure your home landscaping and lawn are taken care of during the summer months, too! I know it’s easy to get busy and put off mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges…but dried leaves, grass, and other landscaping debris can easily catch on fire in the hot, dry months. This is especially important if you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires!
Do you have any other summer home preparation tips to share? I’d love to hear them!
