Summer is quickly approaching, and even with the blazing hot summers we’ve had in Texas, it is still a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. Your outdoor fun in the sun is even more enjoyable when your outdoor area is ready, and you can escape the heat (and insects/bugs) in a well-prepped home. Here is our summer home prep checklist to help you get the most out of your summer.
Install Energy-Efficient Window Coverings
One of the best ways to keep your home cooler during the summer is by installing energy-efficient window treatments. These treatments can help reduce the heat entering your home and keep the cold air inside. Some popular options we carry are Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades, Hunter Douglas Vignette® Modern Roman Shades, and Hunter Douglas Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades.
Install Patio Shades
If you want to enjoy your time on the patio this year, bug-free and hassle-free, consider installing motorized retractable screens. We have partnered with Progressive Screens to offer their amazing, innovative Magna-Track system. This amazing system can literally create an entire outdoor space that is comfortable year-round while also creating efficiencies inside the home.
Outdoor Kitchen and Grill Prep
After you’ve installed your outdoor patio shades, you’ll want to spend more time outside, and summer is a great time to keep the cooking (and heat!) outdoors. Before you start grilling, take the time to prep your outdoor kitchen and grill by cleaning your grill and ensuring that it is working properly.
If your backyard BBQ area or grill is in need of a transformation, Outdoor Kitchen Restoration LLC can breathe new life into your outdoor kitchen. Their specialized BBQ grill cleaning & repair services can revitalize BBQ grills or craft a stunning outdoor kitchen for you!
It’s time to stock up on charcoal and propane!
HVAC Tune-up
If you still need to have your HVAC unit professionally serviced, now is the best time. Regular maintenance checks can ensure that your system runs properly and efficiently. Ideally, your HVAC system should be serviced twice a year. If you can’t remember the last time it was checked, it’s best to have a technician come out and give it a check-up. Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your system and keep you cool this summer.
Clean and Rotate Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to circulate air and keep your home cool during the summer. Remember to switch your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise in the summer to create a downdraft. If you’ve been neglecting your ceiling fan blades, now is the perfect time to clean them so that they are circulating air efficiently.
Seal Up Your Home
To help keep your home cool during the summer, it’s important to check for any drafts and seal air leaks. Caulk around windows and doors, seal up gaps around pipes and add weatherstripping to doors. Sealing up your home can help your HVAC system work less, and you keep cool air inside and hot air outside.
Humidity Check
After you’ve sealed up air leaks, it is a good idea to monitor the humidity level in your home. High humidity levels can make your home feel uncomfortable and lead to other issues like mold growth. If the humidity levels are too high, you can use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
Preparing your home for summer can take some time and effort, but enjoying the cool air will be worth it. If you want to install outdoor patio shades or energy-efficient shades before the summer heat sets in, call us today or schedule a design consultation.