With summertime comes scorching temperatures which can wreak havoc on a home. But, it’s not just record-breaking temperatures that can cause problems with your home in the summer. From hurricanes to deferred safety measures, there are many items homeowners should address to adequately summer-proof their home!
Read: How to Keep Common Summer Pests Away from Your Home
Protecting Your Home From Summertime Heat
In many parts of the country, extreme heat is a common problem during the summer. Heat can not only cause health problems; it can cause home problems. There are several ways to protect a home from extreme temperatures:
Have AC Unit Professionally Serviced
It always seems like if the air conditioning is going to go out, it does it on the hottest day of the year! To prevent that from happening, have a licensed HVAC technician service your AC unit, inspect for low freon or identify any other potential problems. Staying ahead of any maintenance problems can be less expensive and definitely more convenient.
Add Insulation
Did you know the insulation in your attic may not be adequate? Many areas offer free or reduced energy audits to homeowners through their utility companies. Having an energy audit done will not only identify areas where air may be “leaking,” but it also typically includes additional blow-in attic insulation service—at no charge! Even if your area does not provide this free service, contacting an energy auditing service can be a minimal expense that will save in the long run! In fact, you can save up to $600 annually in energy costs just by adding insulation to your attic.
Seal Decks and Railings
As you can imagine, your deck and railing receives blazing direct sunlight for most of the day. The hours of direct sunlight and heat can fade, warp, and damage a deck. By adding a sealant with UV protection, a homeowner can prolong the life of their deck.
Read: Six Things to Check for the Safety of Your Deck
Protecting Your Home For Summertime Safety
It’s common that people spend more time outside enjoying warmer temperatures. You want your home and backyard oasis to be a safe haven, so it’s important not to defer safety measures!
Add A Swimming Pool Alarm
Not surprisingly, one of the most common accidents in summer months is drownings. While swimming pools can be a welcomed asset, they can also be a liability. In fact, according to the CDC, on average 10 people per day die in accidental drownings. Protect your family, and reduce the risk, by installing a swimming pool alarm. These simple devices can activate if motion is detected in a swimming pool and have the potential to save lives. In fact, some cities even require that an alarm be installed.
Read: Can Adding a Pool Increase Your Home Value?
Properly Extinguish Fire Pits and Grills
Backyard dining with fresh steaks from the grill or smores from your newly added fire pit is a great way to enjoy long summer days, but it’s also an opportunity for disaster. Anytime an open flame is present there is a risk for fire. In fact, between 2014-2018, over 10,000 house fires were attributed to grills, and July has the highest percentage for grill fires. Routine care and cleaning of a grill is critical to safely operating it. Before grilling, follow as safety measures listed in the manual, and always keep a fire extinguished close at hand. When finished grilling, make sure the flame is entirely extinguished and the grill is in the off position.
Read: 8 New Products to Transform Your Backyard this Summer
Protecting Your Home From Extreme Weather
As many coastal natives know, summertime is also the beginning of hurricane season. Properly protecting your home before a hurricane can help to prevent damage. Prior to hurricane season, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage, including flood and wind damage coverage. During hurricane season, make sure your home is properly protected. To see some simple steps homeowners can follow to protect their home during a hurricane, click here.
Summer is a time to enjoy long days and warm temps at home—which is even more accurate now that COVID is here. By addressing routine maintenance and safety items, homeowners can enjoy their backyard oasis even more!
Source: homes.com