The days are longer, and they are getting hotter. This means it is time to buy your air conditioner and dive into the swimming pool water. This summer, take time to prepare your home for the heat. Take the steps now to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable all summer long.

This may mean that you wash down your siding, install new roof, windows, and doors, roll up your awnings, and make sure your AC unit is tuned and ready to go so you can tackle the heat in the best way for you and your family.

It is also important to remember that sweltering summer temperatures can be uncomfortable and take a toll on your health and your home.

Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hot Summer

• Install a programmable thermostat

Summer is almost here, which means that temperatures will soon be in the 100s, and your air conditioner will have to work overtime to keep the house cool. That is why it is critical to maintaining your air conditioner so that it operates at peak efficiency. You could live without it in the winter, but not in the hot summers. In any case, if you notice that your air conditioner unit is not working properly, maybe an AC repair company can fix the problem. So call your local AC repair company right away to get it fixed. Apart from that, installing a programmable thermostat can save you from running your system all day and all night heating up your house. Plus, you will save money on your utility bills by programming your HVAC system to run at off-peak times!

• Replace your air filter

To get prepared for the inevitable heat your air filters may need replacing. Having a clean air filter helps your HVAC system run more efficiently and breathe better, which means your home can breathe easier as well. However, if you do not clean your air filters properly and keep the dirty ones in use, it can lead to the malfunctioning of your air conditioner, eventually forcing you to install a new one (perhaps with the help of firms like Brooks Heating and Air).

• Update your home’s insulation

Hot, humid summers are on their way, and your home will be under attack, so it is time to take some steps to prepare your insulation. Your home’s insulation is the first thing you should look at. If you have not already, it is important to check your insulation levels to ensure your home is protecting you from the summer heat and saving money on your energy bill.

• Install ceiling fans in high-trafficked rooms

For those who struggle with the extreme heat, it is so important to start preparing your home now, so you will be ready when it hits. One of the easiest ways to improve the comfort in your home during heat waves is to install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can help circulate air throughout the room, making the air feel cooler and provide a gentle breeze.

• Practice smart landscaping

Summer heat can take a serious toll on the health of your plants and your home. To help your greenery survive the hottest months of the year, you should pay extra attention to the landscaping. You may want to position some sun blockers to stop them from getting direct sunlight, as well as water them at times of low heat so they do not burn their leaves or petals from water droplets left on them.

• Install exterior window coverings

You can deck up your home to withstand the scorching summer heat by installing exterior window coverings. Exterior blinds and shutters not only help to keep your home cool but also help to increase your privacy. Exterior window coverings are a wonderful way to add color to your home’s exterior as well, so that is a bonus. The assorted colors available will match any exterior. You can also opt for blinds and shutters of different sizes so that you get the one that best suits your home’s style. On a similar note, you might want to replace your old windows with double-hung replacement windows from a remodeling firm like perfect exteriors or others like them in your locality. These windows usually have operating sashes that allow for maximum ventilation during summers. Additionally, such windows open outwards giving more space.

The warmer weather means you are going to need to cool down with a cold beverage or ice cream, and it also means the heat is going to drain your house of its power. So, if you are going to be spending much time in your house during the hot weather, you might need to take some precautions to make sure it stays cool.