Preparing Your Home For A Summer Heatwave

The temperature is rising and already things are getting a lot stuffier, stickier, and harder to sleep in. Your home is your single best protection from the elements, including the summer heat. Let's take a look at how to best prepare your home for a summer heatwave.

Preparing Your Home For a Summer Heatwave

​Check For Leaks And Gaps
Finding air leaks in your home is crucial. Most homeowners are aware that gaps in doors and windows allow air to escape the home, making it drafty and chilly in winter and muggy and hot in summer. What’s more, summer pests (from bugs to rodents) can find their way into your home through these gaps and cracks.  Do a once over every so often to inspect doors and windows and properly fill any gaps you find with caulk or weatherstripping.
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Under Door Draft Stopper, amazon.com

Self Adhesive Weatherstripping, amazon.com

Schedule HVAC Maintenance
If your home has a central air conditioning system, then you should have it inspected each year before the summer heat really ramps up.  Without a properly functioning AC unit, your system will be inefficient and ineffective and costly HVAC repair may be unavoidable.  In addition, you are also more than likely to spend more money on your energy bills than you should. If your system isn't under warranty or service contract, contact a reputable repair service to see what they can do for you.

Address Your Windows
Finding the right window treatments for the summer is crucial. Keeping your windows closed and covered stops the hot sun from beaming in and ultimately raising the temperature of your home's interior. If you have blinds, keep them closed--you can always open them after the hottest time of day passes--usually after 3 p.m..  Additionally, you'll want to swap out lightweight curtains and sheers for heavier curtains such as blackout and thermals.  You can find these curtains in pretty summer shades and patterns, too!

Thermal Blackout Curtains, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com

Room Darkening Thermal Curtains, Assorted Colors Available, amazon.com

Clear Out Clutter
The reason we have a spring clean in spring isn’t just because it’s a catchy name--the clutter that gathers throughout the home actually traps and retains heat, and interrupts a cooler air flow.  Objects such as furniture, knick knacks, carpets, and the like absorb heat and then re-radiate it into the air, making it warmer in the room.  If your home is cluttered, it could be detrimental to keeping it cool.  Whether you hire a cleaning service or simply make a more regular schedule of tidying up, it’s worth putting in the effort to ensure your home is clear (and cool) in the summer.

Become A Fan Of Fans
If you don't have air conditioning, or don't like relying on it much, fans are one of the most effective ways to help cool down your home in the summer heat. Swap out standard light fixtures for ceiling fans and add a few inexpensive stand or table top models throughout your home.  According to Lasko Products: "Positioning a fan to blow the cool air up helps maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. Use your fan to push cold air into rooms that only have one vent, or position the fan to disperse the hot air that has risen to a second-floor room. A pedestal fan or a wall-mount fan is ideal for manipulating air movement."
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Lasko 42" Tower Fan With Remote, amazon.com

Lasko Oscillating Fan With Timer & Remote, amazon.com

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These tips should help you battle discomfort and rising AC bills, and may even make a difference with your health during the summer months. Remember, a heatwave not only feels uncomfortable, but it can also lead to migraines, dehydration and the spread of allergens throughout the home.  Make sure your home provides the cool breeze of sanctuary that you need.