You’ve probably already started preparing your home for summer. But there are so many things to do, you may forget one. I mean, there are only 24 hours in the day. So, in the spirit of 24, here are 24 things you can do to get the inside of your house ready for summer.
Let’s Start With Your HVAC System
The number one key to keeping cool and comfortable in your home is ensuring your air conditioner is set to go. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Have your air conditioner tuned up. This is probably the single most important thing you can do. An air conditioning tune up will ensure your AC is running smoothly, allowing you to live in a cool and comfortable home without humidity. It will also identify small problems before they become big ones, saving you money and lengthening your unit’s life expectancy. Note that depending on your AC you may also need to change filters.
2. Consider a new air conditioner. Any of the following factors might indicate you need a new AC.
a. It’s approaching 15 years old, the normal life expectancy of an AC.
b. Its ability to keep you comfortable is failing
c. Your utility bills are going up
d. More frequent and more expensive repairs
3. Do you have a Wi-Fi thermostat? Wi-Fi thermostats, accessible through your mobile phone or tablet, help keep your home comfortable while lowering utility costs. You can preset temperatures based on a number of factors, including day of the week, time of day, etc. Importantly, they also alert you if there is a problem.
4. Do you have a dehumidifier? Normal indoor humidity should be about 40% to 50%. N the summer humidity can reach 60% or higher, leading to mold, mildew and other allergens. A dehumidifier can remove them. While there are portable humidifiers you can move from room to room, we would recommend a whole house dehumidifier that attaches to your HVAC system.
5. Ducts. Another way those pollutants and allergens can enter your living space is if your ducts aren’t clean. If you have not had them cleaned in a few years, now is the time.
Now for Some Other Ways You Can Keep Your Home Comfortable
6. Have your ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise. During the cold months, many people have their ceiling fans rotate clockwise, forcing warm air down. But in warm weather you’ll want the fans to rotate counterclockwise, pushing cool air down. Turn the fan off when you are not in the room).
7. Keep your attic fan running. When the temperature outside hits 90 degrees (and we know if will) the temperature in your can hit 140. The attic fan will absorb that heat and keep it out of your living area,
8. Windows can help. When the weather cools, open the windows. That gives your AC a rest and helps with the utility bills. Plus, it’s nice to get some of that fresh outside air into your home.
9. Window treatments can help too. When it is hot outside, have the blinds, drapes, and curtains cover the windows to prevent the hot air out.
10. Seal windows and doors. Gaps can let hot outside air in, making the home uncomfortable and driving up energy costs by making the AC work harder.
11. New windows. This is a good time to invest in new windows. Window technology has changed a lot, and newer windows are much better at keeping the hot air out during the summer (and cold air during the window.)
12. Insulate. Make sure your attic and other unprotected areas have proper insulation. That will help keep things cool in warmer months and warm in colder months.
13. Ventilate. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to ventilate air.
14. Minimize the use of heat-producing appliances. Instead of using your stove and oven, use the grill.
15. Stay in or stay out. The more you open and close the door, the more you let hot air in. Make an effort to minimize this.
16. No smoking!
17. Plants. Plants are a great way to keep the air clean
Spring Cleaning
18. Clean the following:
a. Bedding, drapes and upholstery with a vacuum and HEPA filter
b. Dryer vent. Disconnect it, vacuum it, dry it with a dryer vent brush. Then go outside and remove the lint there.
c. Faucets and showerheads. Soak them in equal parts vinegar and water for an hour. Rinse and reattach.
d. Hardwood floors and other hard surfaces with a mild water and soap solution
e. Refrigerator coils and the inside of your fridge.
19. Wash the following:
a. Windows
b. Walls
c. Pets
20. Vacuum. Vacuum the following with a vacuum with a HEPA filter
a. Rugs and carpeting
b. Bedding, drapes and upholstery
21. Get rid of stuff. If you have not used or worn it in a while, get rid of it. Donate what you can, get rid of the rest.
Check These Things Off
22. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Check the batteries monthly. Replace the batteries every six months. Replace the detectors every 10 years.
23. Water heater. Check for signs of corrosion and leaks. Drain it to remove minerals and sediment.
24. Pipes. Even though winter is over, give the pipes one more check for cracks and leaks.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Help Preparing Your Home for Warmer Weather
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s knowledgeable and certified plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians offer a variety of products and services to help you prepare for warm weather. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we are the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment