7 Ways to Summer-Proof Your House: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Make AC Inspection Your Priority

Summer and the air conditioner go hand in hand. It’s crucial to keep your AC in top shape during the hot months.

Schedule an AC Tune-Up

Scheduling regular AC maintenance with Sears Home Services is the first step in our guide on how to keep a house cool in summer. Regular air conditioner inspections help prevent potential system failures, enhance indoor air quality, and save on energy costs.

A detailed AC inspection and cleaning involves checking refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, and ensuring all components are functioning correctly. Sears Home Services Technician Lennie Arroyo describes what a thorough AC tune-up looks like in this helpful video:

Regular maintenance not only extends your AC unit's life but also boosts its energy efficiency, helping you save on utility bills during summer.

Monitor Your Air Conditioner’s Performance

Listen to your AC unit. If it's making unusual noises or blowing warm air, it's time for a check-up. These signs could indicate low refrigerant levels or a mechanical problem. Schedule AC repair service as soon as you detect a problem.

Swap Out the Air Filter Regularly

Another vital step in our advice on ways to summer-proof your house is changing your air filter regularly. This simple task can significantly improve your home's air quality and optimize your HVAC system's performance, contributing to your mission of cooling your house and saving on energy expenses.

• Frequency: Disposable filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, and reusable ones should be cleaned or replaced every 3 to 6 months. Consider replacing or cleaning the air filters more often during summer months when the AC unit runs nearly constantly during the day.
• Benefits: Clean air filters trap airborne particles like dust and pollen, improving indoor air quality. They also ensure optimal airflow, reducing strain on your HVAC system and enhancing its lifespan. They boost energy efficiency, lowering your utility costs.

2. Don't Forget To Use the Ceiling Fans

Use ceiling fans to help cool your home in the summer by setting blade rotation in the counter-clockwise direction to push air downward in your home. Adjust fan speeds medium settings to provide adequate cooling air flow throughout your home. Add additional ceiling fans if you have rooms without them.

Ceiling fans play a crucial role in how to keep a house cool in summer. However, dirty fan blades can harbor allergens and bacteria, affecting your home's air quality. Regular cleaning maintains a healthy environment and ensures efficient fan operation, contributing to your tips to keep your house cool.

Clean blades improve air circulation, reducing your reliance on air conditioning and saving you money. They also operate more quietly, contributing to a peaceful environment in your home.

3. Keep Your Window Blinds Closed

Did you know that up to 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows? By simply closing your blinds or curtains, you can prevent this heat gain and decrease the temperature in your home by up to 20 degrees. This is one of the easiest tips to keep your house cool and reduce your reliance on air conditioning.

4. Plant Shady Trees

Planting shady trees around your home is not only an eco-friendly way to enhance your landscape, but it's also a great method for cooling your house. By blocking direct sunlight, shady trees can reduce the temperature in your home, making it more comfortable during summer.

5. Ensure Proper Insulation

Good insulation not only keeps your house warm in winter but also plays a crucial role in cooling your house during summer. By preventing hot air from entering your home, insulation helps your AC unit work more efficiently, saving you money on energy costs.

Check your attic, walls, and floors for any insulation gaps and repair them before summer hits. Also, consider using window insulation film to prevent heat gain through your windows.

If your windows are old and drafty, consider replacing them with energy-efficient windows. Our article 7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Windows in Your Home will help you understand whether you need to take this step to help keep your home cool during the summer.

6. Choose Heat-Resistant Roofing Materials

Selecting the right roofing materials is crucial for protecting your home during summer. Heat-resistant materials, such as metal roofing, clay or concrete tiles, asphalt shingles with reflective coating, and synthetic materials like polymer and rubber, offer excellent durability and heat resistance. They can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reduce roof heat, and save on energy costs. When you need to replace your roof, Consult with a roofing professional at Sears Home Services to find the best heat-resistant roofing materials for your needs as part of the 7 ways to summer-proof your roof and siding.

7. Guard Your Siding Against Summer Heat

Heat can cause serious damage to your home's siding. Regular cleaning, inspection, and application of protective coatings can help prevent this. Also, consider heat-resistant siding materials like fiber cement siding, vinyl siding with reflective properties, and metal siding. If you notice significant damage or want to upgrade your siding, contact Sears Home Services for professional help.

Remember, the key to a cool and comfortable home during summer is regular maintenance and smart choices. Follow our guide on the 7 ways to summer-proof your house to enjoy a stress-free, cool summer.