With the summertime come even warmer temperatures, which can, unfortunately, wreak havoc on a home when unprepared for. But, it’s not just record-breaking temperatures that can cause problems with your home in the summer. From hurricanes to deferred safety measures, there are many items homeowners should address to adequately summer-proof their home.
Protect Your Home From the Heat
In many parts of the country, especially here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, extreme heat is a common problem during the summer. Heat can not only cause health problems; it can cause home problems. There are several ways to protect a home from extreme temperatures:
Have your air-conditioning unit professionally serviced.
It happens to the best of us – if the air conditioning is going to go out, it always seems to do it on the hottest day of the year! To prevent this from happening, we recommend having a licensed HVAC technician routinely servicing your AC unit. They can inspect for low freon or identify other potential problems before they occur. Staying ahead of any maintenance problems can be less expensive and more convenient in the long run.
Add in extra insulation.
Did you know the insulation already in your attic may not be adequate enough to be effective? Many areas offer free or reduced energy audits to homeowners through their utility companies. Having an energy audit done will not only identify areas where air may be leaking out, but it usually includes an additional blow-in attic insulation service.
But, even if this isn’t a service your utility company provides, it can be a minimal expense that will save you in the long run. You could save up to $600 each year just by adding insulation to your attic!
Seal your decks and railings.
Decks and railings receive an enormous amount of direct sunlight and heat for most of the day. The long hours of direct sunlight and heat can fade, warp, and damage a deck. By adding a sealant with UV protection, you can substantially prolong the life of their deck.
Protect Your Home For Summertime Safety
It’s common that people spend more time outside enjoying warmer temperatures. You want your home and backyard to be a safe haven, so it’s important to put safety measures at the top of the list for the summer.
If you have a pool, add an alarm.
One of the most common accidents during the summer is drowning, with the CDC reporting an average of 10 deaths per day due to accidental drowning. So, while swimming pools can be an exciting asset for your home, they can also quickly become a liability.
You can better protect your family, and reduce the risk of drowning, by installing a swimming pool alarm. These simple devices can activate if motion is detected in a swimming pool and have the potential to save lives.
Don’t forget to properly extinguish fire pits and barbeque grills.
Dining al fresco is one of the greatest perks of summer. We love enjoying steaks on the grill and s’mores toasted in a fire pit, but they can also be opportunities for disaster. Unfortunately, anytime an open flame is present there is a risk for fire. The largest risk for a house fire is indeed in July.
By routinely caring for and cleaning your grill, you’re diminishing the risk substantially. Before you fire up the grill, follow the safety measures listed in the manual, and always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand. When you’re finished, make sure the flame is entirely extinguished and the grill is in the off position.
Protect Your Home From Extreme Weather
As many Lowcountry natives know, summertime also marks the beginning of hurricane season. Properly protecting your home before a hurricane becomes a threat can severely mitigate damage.
Before hurricane season begins on June 1, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage, including flood and wind damage coverage. During hurricane season, make sure your home is properly protected with adequate storm protection.
Summer is a great time to enjoy long days and warmer temperatures at home. By addressing routine maintenance and safety items, homeowners can enjoy their backyard haven even more than before.
Leave a Reply