As the temperature climbs, millions of homeowners are wondering what they can do to manage the temperature indoors and outdoors. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can make sure you stay comfortable no matter what the temperature is outside. If you plan to spend time at home this summer, you’re probably interested in finding some safe activities that you can enjoy comfortably with your family. It’s smart to have a few ways to cool down if you want to protect yourself and the rest of your household from the potentially harmful effects of being overexposed to the direct sun in warm weather. Keep reading for some tips on how to keep your home nice and cool during the summer.
What maintenance should you prioritize before the summer?
Inspecting your windows and doors for cracks and crevices is a good idea before it gets too hot or too cold. Leaks that let in moisture can cause property damage if left unattended, and any gaps can let in humidity and hot air from outside. This creates difficulties for your HVAC’s ability to control the indoor temperature, which can increase your bills.
Cracks and crevices also allow the opportunity for contaminants, debris, pollen, mildew, and germs in outdoor air to seep into your home and create indoor air pollution. This can also cause allergic reactions for any allergy sufferers, in addition to causing problems for those with asthma. A dirty filter and poor ventilation can also lower the quality of your home’s indoor air.
Your HVAC system should also be a maintenance priority. If your HVAC system breaks down frequently, it may be wise to consider having a technician take a look at it. Problems can occur with the HVAC in an older home, and if your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Older homes can also have asbestos and lead-based paint, so it’s worth having a technician inspect your home.
What home accessories can help keep your family cool?
If you have a patio or backyard, consider investing in a way to keep you and your family in the shade. The Sun Defender is a great option for anyone looking for an umbrella, especially since it can even be floated in the pool. Too much sun exposure can be legitimately dangerous and pose serious health risks, so if you plan on being outdoors frequently, you should invest in some kind of umbrella that can help you avoid too much time in the sunlight.
Invest in an above-ground pool or some sprinklers and other water activities if you don’t have a built-in pool in the summer. There’s no better way to stay cool than to get in the water, and you can find plenty of options that won’t cost much. For days when it’s too hot to go outside, consider some DIY crafts or some other creative project you can do together.
There are plenty of things you can do to help manage the heat, but proper home care and maintenance is the best place to start, especially when it comes to your HVAC system. You may find that repair or replacement of some windows or doors may be necessary if you notice a preponderance of damage like cracks or crevices that can let in harmful outdoor pollution or create additional risk for property damage. Making these kinds of changes will help protect your family significantly in the summer. Other smaller upgrades, like outdoor umbrellas and water toys, can also provide entertainment while keeping you safe playing out in the sun.
