Ways You Can Prepare Your Home for Summer

Getting your home ready for summer after the spring thunderstorms can be a bit of an undertaking, but you'll be glad that you did it. Some of the things that you will want to accomplish are relatively simple, but some summer home preparation suggestions are best left to the professionals.

“There are certain tasks every homeowner should commit to getting done before summer begins,” says a representative from Ambient Edge.

Read on for their list of chores you should accomplish to get your home ready for summer.

Take Care of the Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner runs through the same ducts that just supplied your home with heat through the winter. Just as it's important to get your furnace ready for winter, make sure your air conditioner is ready for summer. You can do this by changing the filters and cleaning the coils and coil fins, as well as the condensate drains. You might also want to contact your local heating and air company to come out and perform an inspection and maintenance.

Check Windows and Doors for Leaks

Checking for leaks is especially prudent in homes with older windows. You'll want to check for leaks that can let warm air in and cool, air-conditioned air out. This can also go a long way in keeping unwanted creepy-crawlies out. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of caulk, but you might want to invest in replacing older windows and doors.

Check Your Roof

After winter storms and spring rains, you might want to check your roof to make sure all is good. If you're unable to get on top of the house to check (or heights bother you), you can do a visual inspection from the attic. If you don't have an attic, you might want to call in a professional to check your roof.

Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fans

Many people don't realize that ceiling fans can have their rotation direction changed. The rotation of your ceiling fan is important because, during the winter, you want your ceiling fans to spin clockwise, which gently circulates the air, pushing warm air out toward the walls. Conversely, during the summer, you want your fan spinning counterclockwise, which forces cooler air downwards. There should be a switch located somewhere on the base of the fan you can flip to get your ceiling fan blades going in the right direction.

Consider Installing Blackout Shades or Blinds

Another way to keep your house cool without cranking up the AC during the summer is to replace your regular blinds or shades with the blackout variety. These can insulate your home against the summer sun, keeping you cool without having to adjust the thermostat.

These are just a few to the maintenance chores any homeowner should accomplish before summer. Of course, summer is also the time for outdoor activities, so make sure that your lawn is in tip-top shape, too!