Preparing Your Home For Summer

As you put away your winter wardrobe and step into your shorts and sandals, it’s a good idea to prepare your home for the transition into the summer season, too. In Southern California, where summers are predictably hot and dry, preventative safety measures and energy saving solutions are sure to make this season as enjoyable as ever.

Things To Do Inside

• Verify weather stripping and calking is intact. According to Southern California Edison, properly sealed windows and doors are a great way to lower your electric bill and conserve energy when cooling you home. Reseal any gaps or cracks and replace worn or old weather stripping.
• Install or inspect ceiling fans and make sure they are rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. Running a ceiling fan uses less energy than a light bulb, and the regularly circulating air can make a room feel much more comfortable without having to turn down the thermostat.
• Begin using a programmable thermostat and you’ll immediately see savings on your next energy bill. Programmable thermostats allow you to have more control over your indoor environment by letting you customize settings when you need comfort most.
• Consider the quality of your indoor air. Summer in California is often too hot for open windows, so you’re likely breathing a lot of recirculated air. Using a biocide chamber or electronic air cleaners can significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe.

Different Types Of Air Cleaners

Things To Do Outside

• Inspect and test your air conditioner, schedule maintenance if it isn’t working. The last thing you want is a 100-degree day and an air conditioner that isn’t doing is job.
• Clean up the landscape around your home. Summer wildfires are something we should always be conscious of. Clear brush, dried leaves and grass from your condenser, yard, away from your home and out of your gutters. Doing this can help prevent a fire from starting or spreading.
• If you have a pool, make sure you have proper safety fencing and gates installed around the perimeter. Check that all latches are in working order and secured.
• Inspect backyard play equipment. Check hardware and structure to make sure it is in good condition and address any sharp points or potential tripping hazards, so your children have a safe place to play.

These simple steps can help you save money, stay safe and make your summer more enjoyable. Service Champions is your heating, cooling and ventilation expert. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enjoy a cool and comfortable summer.