Heat, humidity and thunderstorms are just a few of the things you can expect during summer in the south.
Preparing your home for storm season is an easy decision, but what about more general summer prep? Just as those in cold climates winterize their homes, there are a few steps Southerners can take for summer-ready homes.
Here’s how to make sure your home and lawn are ready for high temps and even higher humidity!
1. Check Your Doors and Windows for Tight Seals
The seals around your doors and windows ensure that the air your HVAC system is working to cool (or heat) stays inside and that outside air stays outside. When your window and door seals degrade or fail altogether, you’ll notice some changes, such as:
- Your home’s temperatures not staying consistent
- Your home feels more humid
- Your electric bills have increased due to your HVAC system working harder
It’s important to note that seals don’t fail all at once. They degrade over time, so you may not notice these changes at first.
Because this is a gradual change, we recommend checking your window and door seals annually. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a visual inspection. Look at the areas where your window and door meet the wall. If you see gaps or feel drafts, your seals have likely failed. You should also look at any caulking and sealant. Crumbling, discolored, or missing caulking is a red flag.
- Check your windows for condensation inside the window. Condensation on the outside of your window is normal and not cause for concern. However, condensation between your window panes or on the inside is a clear indicator that your seals have failed.
- Perform the candle test. On a windy day, carefully hold a candle near the window or door seals inside of your home. If the flame bends, that’s a sign that you have a draft and your seals have failed.
Fixing broken seals is difficult and a bit like putting a bandage on the problem: it might solve the issue for the time being, but you’re still going to have to replace your windows or doors to fix it once and for all.
We recommend solving these problems the first time with replacement windows and doors. You’ll increase your home’s energy efficiency, leading to a more comfortable home and lower energy bills. (Plus, new windows and doors always boost your curb appeal!)
2. Give Your AC a Tune-Up
This is arguably the most important step in getting your home ready for summer. In the southeast, AC usage isn’t limited to the summer months, but that’s definitely when we rely on it! There’s nothing worse than discovering your HVAC unit is on the fritz when you need it the most.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to have an HVAC professional inspect your system to ensure it’s in good working order and will remain that way throughout the season. You don’t want to get to the dog days of summer only for your air conditioner to go out!
3. Get Your Patio Ready for Summer Fun
From backyard BBQs to pool parties, Memorial Day and Fourth of July get-togethers to summer nights relaxing outside, your outdoor areas get a lot of use this time of year! Here are a few ways to make sure your patio, deck, or porch are ready:
- Pressure wash your patio or deck to remove any dirt or grime that built up over the winter.
- Clean your patio furniture and wash any cushions, if possible.
- Invest in citronella candles or other mosquito repellent.
- Make sure you have propane in your grill and/or fire pit tanks.
4. Give Your Lawn Some TLC
Part of making sure your outdoor areas are ready for summer fun is making sure your lawn is ready! In addition to basic mowing and edging, now is the time to get rid of pesky weeds and trim trees and shrubs.
Spring is also a great time to breathe new life into your landscaping by planting flowers, herbs, or other new greenery. Choose flowers that thrive in the southeast like hydrangeas, gardenias, hibiscus, and rain lily.
5. Inspect Your Gutters
Summer thunderstorms and hurricanes bring plenty of rain and debris, so it’s a good idea to make sure your gutters are clean and in good shape during spring. Follow these steps to inspect your gutters:
- Start by cleaning your gutters and downspouts. It’s a good idea to do this at least twice a year. Scoop debris out of your gutters and use a hose to flush out what you can’t reach. Using a hose will also allow you to make sure water can flow freely.
- Look at the seams of your gutters and downspouts to ensure they aren’t damaged and there are no gaps. Repair any gaps to make sure your gutters are functioning properly.
- Inspect the house side of your gutters and the hangers to make sure they’re working properly and keeping enough space between the gutters and the walls of your home. If the gutters are too close to your house, water may seep into the wall and cause damage.
6. Look at Your Current Energy Usage
Before the sun comes into its full power at the height of summer, you may want to find out your benchmark energy use or find out what other homes similar to yours are using at any given point during the year. Given that the AC is going to be running often for the next few months, this is important and could help you identify whether your AC system may need to be replaced, since it can pinpoint issues like leaks.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you’ll be better able to control the temperature on a more custom level, letting you save money with settings that allow it to run less while you’re out and about. Plus, you’ll be able to track your energy usage more effectively, leading to even further savings! Many smart thermostats also include apps that let you turn your AC on or off even when away from home.
8. Check Your Home Pipes
Did you know excess heat, which is part and parcel of Dallas summers, can lead to water pipes bursting? If water pipes shift, which dry soil and hot, arid conditions encourage, a burst or leak can occur. Surging temperatures can easily lead to burst pipes, especially with older or poorly made pipes. Call in a professional to confirm your pipes are in good working order if you’re not sure how long it’s been since they’ve been replaced.
9. Prepare for Potential Bugs
Those Texas insects get feisty during the summer, with plenty of active time to try to get in your home. Get ahead of the game by looking for ways they can enter your home and seal them off. This may be more than just your doors—check older windows to see if they need to be replaced, as insects can easily get through poor seals.
10. Enjoy Those Sunny Evening Hours
You’ll have more time to enjoy being outdoors with friends and family in summer, so deck out your outdoor areas with lighting to keep the fun going longer! Lanterns, hanging lights or solar garden lights are all great options to light your way back indoors once night has fully set in.
Get Your Home Ready for Summer With Window World of Dallas-Fort Worth
Whether you need a new patio door, entry door, or windows, we’ve got what you need to make your home the best it can be this summer. Get started by requesting your free estimate!