Is Your Home Ready for Summer?
Summers in Southern California are traditionally known for being one of the hottest times of the year. While there’s nothing like warm summer nights and days spent enjoying the coast, there’s also peak temperatures to contend with. With summer getting warmer and warmer, and many families still spending more time at home, it’s important to prepare for the warmest months of the year. The adjustments and precautions that you take to keep your home cool will help your family stay comfortable all season long. Here are a few ways you can prepare your home for summer.
Ways To Prepare your Home For Warmer Weather
Tune Up Your A/C
When was the last time you checked your A/C unit? Air conditioning is crucial in keeping your household cool during heat waves. If it’s been a while since a tune up, it’s time to get your A/C ready for peak temperatures. One area you want to check with in your air conditioning unit is the air filter. These are easily forgettable, but having a clean air filter will provide better air flow and will also improve your home’s air quality. Ideally, you want to check it every 30 days in the summer and replace it when needed.
You’ll also want to check your settings. Set a timer on your air conditioner or thermostat to keep the temperatures regulated throughout the home. Some thermostats allow you to set different temperatures during different times. This is useful to keep the house cool during peak temperatures but will stop running when it cools down in the evenings. You can also program it to fit your schedule during the times you may not be home.
Update Insulation and Windows
Ensuring your home can withstand peak temperatures comfortably will require more than a properly tuned A/C unit. To keep cool air inside and the hot air out, you’ll want to make sure your insulation is up to date as well. This may include adding additional insulation to areas such as the attic, or simply updating your existing insulation to make your home more eco-friendly.
If replacing or updating your home’s insulation is not an option, you may opt to update your window fixtures on the south-facing side of your home. Since this is the side of the house that gets the most sun, you want to make sure that you have energy efficient windows that are able to protect your home from the heat.
Keep The Sun Away
We all love natural lighting, but during the hot months it’s better to keep the sun out. Installing high quality shades and blinds throughout your home can help minimize sunlight, which will keep your house cool without having to run the air conditioning all day.
Another great way to keep your house cool is through the use of ceiling fans. Installing durable ceiling fans is an efficient way to keep everyone cool and air flowing throughout. This can also help save on energy costs.
The last tip to keep the sun away is to install awnings. If you have sun exposure in your backyard, especially where you would typically sit and relax, awnings can keep the sun off of you and guests to keep everyone comfortable. Having the option to sit in the shade with a nice breeze coming in will give you more time to enjoy your backyard.
Stay Safe In This Heat
Looking for other ways to stay cool this summer? Consider Rosemary Hieber, your local real estate expert and friend. I want you to feel comfortable calling me whenever you have a question or concern regarding the housing market, buying or selling a home, or anything else that’s real estate related. Even if you have no plans to move in the foreseeable future, please consider me your source for real estate answers and advice. I’m here to help, because that’s what friends are for. So, don’t be shy, call me today at 949-285-3215 if you need recommendations or have any questions and remember, “It Doesn’t Cost More to Work with the Best!”