Most homeowners are either preparing for or in the middle of the summer, and almost everyone could use some advice for preparing their home for the heat. Home maintenance is always the best place to start, but there are a variety of ways you can get ready for the summer season.
The heat can present many risks both to your health and the health of your home and any plants and greenery you may have. That’s why it’s essential to make sure you understand how to protect yourself and your home when the weather starts to get dangerously hot. However, new homeowners or those who aren’t used to a warm climate may not know where to get started. Keep reading for some simple tips that can help you prepare your home and garden for the summer.
How can home maintenance help you stay cool?
Your HVAC system is one of the most important tools you have for staying healthy and comfortable in the summer months. Upgrades like custom ductwork can help you beat the heat. If you haven’t had your HVAC system inspected, it’s a good idea to have it looked over at least once annually. Your filter should also be changed every three months, which many homeowners can forget about. If you notice that you need an AC repair or that your AC unit isn’t functioning properly and your HVAC is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
If you’re interested in home improvement, a smart thermostat can be a great upgrade to manage the temperature in your home more efficiently. A programmable thermostat allows you to operate your heating and cooling system on a timer, only using your air conditioning when you absolutely need it. This can help you lower your energy bills, as you won’t have to leave your air conditioner running all day long just to have your home’s temperature be comfortable after a long day at work. Some smart thermostats even cool your home by zone, allowing for a different temperature downstairs and upstairs.
What products can help you prepare your home and garden for summer?
When it comes to your garden, preparation and maintenance depend on what types of plants you have and the size and location of your garden. Just before the season begins, you should always go through and prune your plants and shrubbery. You should also remove debris from your garden beds, like fallen tree branches and other discarded foliage. If you plan to grow any cool-weather plants, make sure you understand when to plant them and how the soil should be prepared. Finally, if any plants you plan to grow, now is the time to purchase and install your plant supports.
Whether you’re spending time bent over your garden bed or relaxing on the patio, a floating umbrella is a great way to make sure you’re not in the direct sun. Too much exposure to the sun can carry serious health issues, including increasing your risk for several types of skin cancers. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, especially during the hotter parts of the day, it’s necessary that you find a way to keep yourself from being on the receiving end of serious sun damage.
The summer always presents challenges for homeowners, both indoors and outdoors. Regular maintenance of important fixtures like your doors and windows and your HVAC system should always be a priority, but upgrades like custom ductwork or a smart thermostat can make managing the temperature indoors even easier. These kinds of upgrades can also be appealing to buyers if you should choose to sell one day. Don’t forget to prune your shrubs or cleaning your garden beds before the summer, prepare your soil, and get ready to plant your cool weather plants near the end of the season. Maintaining a healthy home can require a lot of effort, but there aren’t many things more worthwhile to invest in than protecting your home, your garden, and yourself.
