Summertime To-Do’s for Your Home and Yard

Summertime To-Do’s for Your Home and Yard

Summertime To-Do’s for Your Home and Yard

Can your home and yard handle the summertime heat and humidity? In this three part series, I will be sharing some must do’s for this season. First up let’s focus on making sure your home is as cool as possible.

Keep It Cool

It’s HOT outside and you want to keep in cool inside. Follow these simple steps now and be one step ahead of emergency AC situations.

Get your A/C system serviced professionally. Even if your system is relatively new, you want to get your heating and cooling system maintained at the change of seasons. This preventative service can help you can avoid any emergency problems.

Sign up for a yearly maintenance contract with a HVAC company. Having a service contract with a cooling and heating company means that they will reach out to you before the change of every season. That way your system will get serviced at the appropriate time. Plus, if you do have any emergencies in the middle of the season, your service call will be a priority and move to the top of their list. Email for a list of recommendations.

Clear away debris around your outside air conditioning unit. Make sure you don’t have shrubs, weeds or other growth too close to your unit. You want it to work properly and be as efficient as possible.

Clean and replace your unit’s air filters.  Don’t forget to do this and stick to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Your A/C unit will be working in overdrive to keep you cool, so do your part to make it work effectively. You can order air filters online to keep it simple and easy.

Go shopping for portable A/C units or fans.  Maybe some of your rooms are more stifling than others.  You might be surprised to see how many more (and improved) options are out there to help keep your home cool over the summer… oscillating fans, ceiling fans, attic fans, and portable A/C ones. And many are more energy efficient and not noisy!

Prevent Moisture and Mold

Houston summer means higher levels of humidity. This excess moisture in the air causes mold and mildew.  High humidity levels can wreak havoc on your home and stuff. It can warp wood and cause condensation on walls. Plus, it damages your electronics, pianos, books, clothing and more.

Get a dehumidifier to remove moisture. Make sure you buy the right dehumidifier and the correct size for the room. You can adjust humidity levels to better draw the moisture out. You’ll find ones that come with a bin that you have to empty or you can connect a tube to a drain so it empties continuously. Whatever you do, don’t buy one that will overflow if you forget to empty it! Keep in mind dehumidifiers vary according to how many pints of moisture they can remove in 24 hours.

Ventilate in high moisture areas in your home.  Bathroom exhaust fans and vent fans for your stove can be key in keeping a low humidity level in your house.  These products are designed to remove the excess humidity that is created by showering, boiling water, and other activities that will create excess moisture in the air.  After your showers, turn your vent on for 30 minutes to help lower the humidity. Consider installing a timer switch for your exhaust fan in your bathroom.

Next week we will focus on some outdoor to do’s and have a GREAT product recommendation for you.