Summer is Here!
Summer officially starts today Saturday, June 21. As we venture into the hot summer months, you will want to prepare your home for the heat. Several items on this summer ready list are obvious; however, there may be a few things you may not have thought about. Celebrate summer and check out these tips to get your home ready for the summer season.
Save Money
A great way to save money on your energy bills during the summer months, when usage is high, is to switch off the lights and unplug electronics and appliances when you aren’t using them. Also, don’t make your AC unit work so hard. If you have direct sunlight beaming through your windows, applying a reflective film, or using sun-protected curtains or shades will help keep the heat out. Installing and/or using ceiling fans, over the high cost of running your home’s AC, will save you cash.
Screening Your Screens
Opening the windows to enjoy the cool summer evenings and fresh air of the outdoors is great. Pets, children and sheer wear and tear can create rips and holes in your window and door screens. If some of your screens need replacing or repair, now is a great time to do so, plus you’ll want to keep the six legged pests outside and not buzzing around the house.
Filter Fundamentals
It is recommended that your HVAC system filters should be replaced twice a year, once just before the summer heat rises and then once again before the cold winter arrives. Replacing old and dirty filters helps protect you, your family and your home from toxic air particles. Also, if your filters are clogged from long use, your HVAC blower has to work harder to get air to pass through and that adds up to higher energy costs.
Outdoor Living
Summer is the time to get outdoors. Having your morning breakfast or evening dinner on the back patio, and of course barbecues and get togethers are a part of the outdoor living experience during the season. However, those pesky crawling and flying critters are annoying. Get a bug free zone in your backyard by spraying kid and pet friendly bug repellent and lighting citronella candles. Placing the candles a few feet away from the area where people sit is best for them to be effective. Citronella oil is an all natural misquote repellent.
It is the season for friends, family and fun, celebrate summer!