With the warmer weather approaching in the northern hemisphere, we’re probably all a bit excited to spend some time in the sun. However, particularly in 2020 with so much uncertainty, we may not be hitting the beaches and travelling like we normally do. Also, many people have changed to a working-from-home scenario, meaning more time at home. It sounds great for many people, but when the hot weather hits, you may not be so excited about being stuck inside.
Luckily, you’ve got time to prepare, and that means getting your home ready for the summer months. These tips will help improve your comfort and safety when spending time at home this summer.
Tidy your yard and clear gutters
Great summer weather also means fire season. We’ve all seen the devastation that fires can cause, especially to homes. To get ready for summer, you should always ensure the gutters on your roof are free of debris. These are a fire risk if embers blow through the air, even from miles away. While you clear them, you can even install gutter guards to prevent a build-up in future.
Also, check your yard for flammable material such as dry wood and branches left on the ground. It’s always an idea to clear an area around your house to protect it from fire.
Consider installing a ceiling fan
While being fire-safe is important, we all want to be comfortable in summer. A simple way to increase the comfort in your home is with a ceiling fan. While it won’t create any cold air, as such, it does circulate air around. Make sure it can go in reverse, otherwise you’ll be distributing the warm air that’s risen to the ceiling.
A ceiling fan is a great alternative to the air conditioner, especially on those days where it’s not extremely hot, but just mildly uncomfortable.
Install quality insulation
If you don’t have insulation in your home, now is the time. People often think insulation is just for keeping your house warm, but that’s not true. Insulation provides temperature control, so in summer, it helps keep the hot air out. Install some high-quality wall insulation to external and internal walls, and you can keep your rooms much cooler in the summer months.
It’s also a great idea to upgrade your underfloor insulation. Not only will it stop heat from entering your home through the floor, but it also improves sound absorption throughout the home.
Window screens
There are always days in summer where you’ve got a nice breeze outside. It may be warm, but the summer breeze cools you down nicely. You can take advantage of the light winds inside your home too, but its much better with window screens. You can open your windows to let that fresh air into your home, but summer is also the worst time for flying insects.
If your windows don’t have a screen on them, now is the perfect time to install them. That way you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful fresh air in summer, without nasty critters flying through your home.
