The summer season is upon us, and longer and warmer days are coming! And since we are done with spring, it is time to prep your home for the upcoming months. Like you would winterize your home in the colder months, it’s time to do the opposite and prepare your home for the warmer days. But why is it so important to do this, you might ask? One of the biggest reasons is that you will be able to cool your home better. Therefore, here are eight tips to prepare your home for summer weather.
Start to prepare your home for summer by deep cleaning
Spring is the perfect time to start preparing for the hot summer weather, but if you are behind, there is still time to catch up! There is more light each day, which gives us all more energy. We are more likely to be motivated on a sunny day than on a cold and gray one.
The best way to start the preparations is by deep cleaning your house. A lot of dust accumulates over the winter that you might not see due to the lack of natural light. Clean your curtains, carpets, chandeliers, and light bulbs. Also, wash your winter bedding before you put it away. Make sure you remove any stubborn stains that didn’t disappear the first time you washed them.
Moreover, you can move your cabinets and wardrobes and remove the accumulated debris behind them. Do everything that you have been avoiding cleaning up until now. Once you finish, you will feel better.
Get rid of the clutter
Set aside some time to declutter your home. Once you start, you will see that there are many things that you forgot you owned or that you haven’t used for a long time. Get rid of those items. They are just cluttering your space and collecting dust. Consider gifting things that are not damaged and recycling those that are. You can even organize a garage sale and collect some money.
If seasonal items take up a lot of space in your garage, you can opt to rent a storage unit and keep all your items there. But know that things like electronics, wooden furniture, and art pieces need special attention. To ensure they remain intact, get a climate-controlled unit. This means that the temperature will not fluctuate and that they will keep their original shape. You could consider turning your garage into a gym or an art studio once you remove everything!
Prepare your ceiling fans for the summer
Ceiling fans are an excellent alternative for those that do not have AC. However, they are notorious for collecting dust, especially when you don’t use them. Get your duster and start removing the all the dust off the blades. Make sure they work correctly. This way, you will have enough time to repair them before the most intense part of the summer.
Prep your grill
Warm weather means it’s barbecue time! If you took care of your grill at the end of the last summer, this will be quick maintenance clean. However, if you didn’t, get ready to scrape! You can use special metal brushes with some dish soap to remove the carbon and grease. Clean it well inside and out. Make it all nice and shiny before you can officially start using it this grilling season.
Change the filters on your AC
AC is essential during the summer. This is why you should make sure it’s ready for use. Apart from removing the dust, make sure to change your filter. It would be best to change it every 90 days or less, but we know that it’s easy to forget once you start using it. Therefore, now is the time to do it because your AC will be more efficient.
Paint your home with light colors
Did you know that the color of your home can help you combat the summer heat? Lighter colors reflect heat away from your home, while darker colors absorb it. Therefore, choose light paint to paint your home. You will upgrade your home with a fresh coat of paint and make it cooler for the summer.
You can add curtains and blinds as extra protection from the heat. They also reflect the heat away. These small changes will not cost you a lot but will make a huge difference this summer. If you feel adventurous, paint the inside of your home. Choose a fun color and give your home a new and fresh look.
Waterproof your deck
There is nothing better than spending time outside sipping some lemonade while kids play. If you want to enjoy your outdoor space this summer, check your deck. Inspect it to see if there is any damage and make sure to waterproof it. Water can deteriorate your deck if you don’t have the right protection. First, clean your deck, and once it dries, apply the waterproof sealant. It will need one day to dry, and then you can bring your summer furniture. By waterproofing your deck, you protect it from mold and mildew, which will help your deck last for years to come! Additionally, a beautiful deck can increase your home value which is great if you plan on selling it in the future.
Clean your gutters
During the winter and spring, a lot of debris, such as leaves and twigs, can build up in your gutters. Make sure to clean your gutters to prepare them for the summer. Clean gutters will keep the moisture from penetrating your home. You can either clean them yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Once your gutters are clean, you will be able to see if there are any damaged areas. If you see anything, make sure to repair it as soon as possible.
As you can see, there are many ways to prepare your home for summer weather. Of course, there are many more things that you can do, but these are just some of the essentials.
