Prepare Your Home for Warmer Weather in 6 Easy Steps
Thursday, July 7th, 2016
The weather outside can be frightful, especially in the summer. With 90 degree days occurring back-to-back for several weeks straight, you might be tempted to crank up the air conditioning until you can’t feel your nose. But before you do, here are a few things you can do to prepare your home for warmer weather and make sure your home remains cool and your utility bill remains low.
Step 1: Reverse Your Ceiling Fan Rotation
During the spring and summer, your ceiling fan blades should be rotating counter-clockwise to allow cool air to circulate throughout the rest of the room.
Step 2: Close Your Curtains and Blinds
Natural light is a wonderful thing, but shutting it out during the hottest hours of the day will keep heat-carrying sunlight from entering your home.
Step 3: Ventilate Your Attic
Because hot air travels up, your attic is the perfect place for heat to accumulate. Installing a vent or fan will not only cool down your attic, but the rest of home as well.
Step 4: Check for Cracks
Over time, caulking and insulation strips can crack allowing warm air to enter and cool air to escape. Check your windows and doors to make sure everything is in good repair and re-seal where necessary.
Step 5: Unclog Your Dryer Vents
While this chore is part of routine home care, unclogging your dryer vents is even more important during the summer. A blocked dryer vent means hot air is being blown back into your home and can contribute to higher room temperatures.
Step 6: Change Your Air Filters
Air conditioning units function best when the air filters are free from dust and debris. It’s recommended to switch them out every month, especially if you live where there are more allergy irritants.
Don’t spend all of your days cooped up inside though! Now that the weather is warm, it’s the perfect time to start planning the outdoor living renovation you’ve always wanted. Whether you envision your home with a screened-in porch or an open patio, our team of designers can give you the look you want. Contact us to schedule a time to talk.
Tags: air conditioning, air vents, ceiling fan, energy efficiency, home care, HVAC
