7 Home Prep Ideas for Summer

With the weather warming up, here are some tips to get your home ready for the season.

1. Check A/C

If your home has central air, having it professionally serviced could extend the life of the system, increase its energy efficiency and may prevent unexpected outages as temperatures rise. Here are additional tips to keep your home energy efficient in the summertime.

2. Change Filters

With the end of allergy season upon us, it’s time to replace the heating and cooling (HVAC) system’s air filter. Use a High-Efficiency Particle Arresting (HEPA) air filter or one rated for a MERV level of 11 to 12 (instead of a lower number) to make sure you are capturing more particles.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Inspect doors and windows for any gaps, and then caulk and seal those leaks to keep comfort up and energy costs down.

4. Prepare for Storm Season

It’s a good time to install an award-winning WiFi Water Leak and Freeze Detector, which will send an alert to your smart phone if it detects a water leak or if there is excess humidity.

5. Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

A thick coating of dust and grime impairs the efficiency of your fridge. Give its cooling coils a thorough cleaning each spring with a vacuum or brush.

6. Flush Your Water Heater

Summer is a good time to flush your water heater, which should be done yearly to remove built-up sediment. The bonus to doing it in the summer? You can use the water to irrigate your plants or lawn.

7. Upgrade the Thermostat

New season, new routine! Now your thermostat can adjust with your life. The Honeywell Home T9 smart thermostat uses smart room sensors to deliver the right temp to the right room at the right time, which is great for sleeping in the summer nights. Its geofencing feature makes sure your house is comfortable when you arrive and can help you save money when you’re away. Don't forget to hook it up to Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant, or another connected-home platform.