How to Prepare your Home for Warmer Weather

As temperatures begin to rise and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to get your home ready for warmer weather. Making a few simple changes and adjustments can help ensure that your living space is comfortable and enjoyable as the seasons change. We’ll give you are best practical tips and strategies to help you prepare your home for the arrival of warmer weather. 

These tips are helpful if you’re looking to increase your home’s energy efficiency. With a few simple adjustments to your home, you’ll be raking in the benefits in no time. 

When does the weather start to get warmer? 

The exact shift from colder to warmer weather varies based on your location. Generally, the weather in the U.S. begins to feel warmer in March and April. The weather in the U.S. becomes consistently warmer in mid-May. 

However, suppose you’re looking to prepare your home for summer. In that case, it’s important to start these improvements before the summer season officially starts in your area for maximum energy efficiency. 

Home preparedness tips for summer 

• Clean and organize outdoor furniture and accessories, ensuring they’re ready for outdoor enjoyment during the warmer weather. 
• Clear out any debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage during summer rain showers. 
• Gather materials for your outdoor pool and conduct early inspections. 
• Check and replace any outdoor light bulbs as needed to ensure safety and visibility during summer evenings. 
• Prepare your grill for summer cookouts by cleaning grates and ensuring propane tanks or charcoal supplies are stocked. 
• Take preventive measures to keep pests such as mosquitoes and ants at bay, such as using screens on windows and doors or setting out traps and repellents. 

How to keep your house consistently cool in the summer 

Keeping your house consistently cool during the scorching summer months requires a strategic approach. Here are a few of our favorite tips: 

• Start by scheduling a professional maintenance check-up for your HVAC system. This ensures your system is in optimal condition for the warmer months. Be sure to ask during your inspection the life expectancy of your system. Older AC units can lead to a decrease in energy efficiency over time. Trust us, you don’t want your AC unit dying out during the peak of the summer season. So be sure to service your unit to keep cool all summer without any interruptions. 
• Improve air quality and system efficiency by cleaning or replacing air filters in your HVAC unit. A dirty HVAC filter can lead to less air getting through your system and your house feeling less cool. 
• Check windows and doors for gaps or leaks and seal them to prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping. 
• Consider adding or upgrading insulation in your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. 

How to lower your electric bill in the summer 

Lowering your electric bill during the summer months is achievable with a few simple strategies. If you’re looking to potentially save some cash with some summer cooling tips, keep reading! 

• Consider installing a programmable thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can control your heating and cooling system from anywhere. Smart thermostats are literally built to save you energy while still keeping you comfortable. 
• Install or adjust blinds, curtains, or shades to block out direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, reducing heat gain indoors. 
• If you don’t have them already consider installing ceiling fans. Ceiling fans help to circulate air and create a breeze to keep rooms feeling cooler all without using your AC unit. 
• Install solar panels to get the most out of the sunny days. In some cases, installing solar panels can lead to tax credits and potential money savings. 
• Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature. You don’t need a smart thermostat for this one! We recommend setting your thermostat to between 70-78 degrees. The lower end of 70 degrees is the ideal summer temperature for comfort, while 78 degrees is ideal for energy savings. 
• Be mindful of energy usage by turning off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use, as these can contribute to heat buildup in your home.  

How to keep your house cool in the summer without electricity 

If you’re in a bind and looking for more ways to save, there are ways to keep cool without electricity. Keeping your house cool in the summer without relying on electricity requires ingenuity and a return to traditional methods of cooling.  

• Take advantage of your windows by keeping them open constantly for a cool breeze and air circulation. 
• Strategically plant trees around your home. Planting shady trees provides natural shade that reduces the amount of direct sunlight that enters your living spaces. 
• Optimize airflow by creating cross-ventilation pathways using fans or open windows. (We know this one uses a little electricity!) 
• Use natural materials such as cotton or linen for bedding and clothing to keep your body cool during hot summer nights. 
• Cook outdoors on grills or use smaller appliances that generate less heat indoors. 
• Take advantage of cooler outdoor spaces like shaded porches or gardens for relaxation. 

Why is my electric bill so high in the summer? 

Several factors contribute to high electric bills during the summer. One of the biggest factors is that energy prices are always changing because of seasonal weather changes. According to the E.I.A., 90% of U.S. households use air conditioning from June – August because of the hotter months. This leads to increased electricity usage.  

Another huge factor behind high electric bills in the summer is insufficient air conditioning models. Old air conditioning models have to work harder and may be less energy efficient. If you have children, your energy bills might increase during the summer. This is because more people are at home for longer periods of time during the summer than usual.  

Having more people in your home makes it hotter. You might need to lower the AC temperature to keep everyone comfortable.  

Is electricity more expensive in the summer? 

For many areas in the U.S., summer sparks a higher electricity demand because almost all air-conditioning units run on electricity. In the winter, while there are electric heaters available, most homes come equipped with gas heaters. According to the E.I.A., the average U.S. residential customer in summer 2023 used about 1,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month because of warmer temperatures.  

As the summer heat approaches, taking proactive steps can help homeowners stay cool and financially savvy during the peak of the season. Whether it’s maintaining HVAC systems, optimizing insulation, or adopting energy-saving practices, these recommendations offer practical solutions for a more comfortable and cost-effective summer living environment