How to Prepare Your Home for the Hot Summer Months Ahead

As you look forward to the warm summer months, it’s also smart to think about how you’ll cool off. Many homes use air conditioning at least some of the time, but there are definitely things you can do that will increase your comfort level in the home without costing a lot of extra money. Take some time now to prepare your home for the upcoming summer months.

Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

Even if you don’t have the latest and greatest high-efficiency air conditioner, you can still make the most of what you have. Most systems need an annual tune-up to be as efficient as possible. This typically involves putting in new filters and checking that all of the components are working properly.

If you’re diligent about these tune-ups, the HVAC professional will be able to catch and repair minor issues before major ones. You’ll extend the life of your air conditioner and not have to worry about it going out on a hot day.

Hang Curtains or Blinds

Your windows may give you a beautiful view of the great outdoors, but they’re also letting in the sun and heating up your home. That’s great in the winter, but not in the summer. Plan to keep your curtains or blinds closed throughout the day in the summer.

White curtains are particularly useful in keeping the heat out. If your windows are currently bare, take some time to shop for the right curtains. Alternatively, consider applying a film to your windows that can prevent the sun from heating up your home.

Set Your Fans

Everyone knows that fans can circulate the air, making the space more comfortable with or without an air conditioner. However, many people are surprised to learn that most fans have a switch that allows you to adjust the direction of the fan. In the winter, you can set those fans to run clockwise, which will take the hot air that rises and pushes it back out and along the walls. In the summer, though, the fan should run counterclockwise, creating a breeze underneath the fan.

Switch Your Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs can get hot. You’ve probably burned yourself on one once or twice. The heat that these lightbulbs give off can add to the temperature in the room. Fortunately, newer styles of light bulbs – LED bulbs in particular – don’t have this same heating effect.

Switch out the light bulbs that you use most if you’re not ready to switch all of the lightbulbs in your home. LED bulbs are initially more expensive, but they save on energy costs and can last for several years, so they’re a real bargain.

Check Your Insulation and Attic Ventilation

Most people think about the insulation in the attic when it comes to the winter months, but it’s just as important in the summer. After all, the attic can get very hot, and a poorly insulated attic will allow that heat to seep down into the living area below. Ask a professional about the amount of insulation you should have in your area. In most cases, you can add extra insulation on top of what you already have, so it’s not a big project. In addition to this, you want to make sure that the attic is properly ventilated. Don’t block vents with insulation.

Clean Up the Grill

When you cook inside the home, it’s not only the kitchen that gets hot. That heat spreads throughout the home and makes your air conditioner work harder. During the summer, it’s smart to cook outside as often as possible. This means that you’ll want to check that your grill is in working order and that it’s clean and ready for some burgers.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats help you monitor the temperature of your home without giving it a second thought.

You can set the temperature to be higher during the times when the house is empty, and then have the air conditioner automatically come on just before you come home. You won't have to worry about being uncomfortable. You can always override the settings if you’re home at a time when you’re usually at work.

Upgrade Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is several years old, there’s a good chance that it’s not very efficient. Consider upgrading your old model to a new high-efficiency air conditioner. Not only will this cool your home more efficiently, but more recent models use far less energy than older versions.

A quality HVAC professional will also help you assess your needs by choosing a model that’s the right size for your home.

The best way to stay cool throughout the summer is to have a home that’s prepared to take the heat. Consult with an experienced HVAC professional to find out what’s right for your home.

For more tips on keeping your Las Vegas, NV home cool, call Anytime Plumbing, Inc at (702) 362-9300.