For most families, summers bring a well-deserved break from school, increased quality time with children, and more play time outside. Unfortunately, your energy bills will likely be higher during the summer months if you depend on air conditioning to keep cool. Here are 10 home improvement hacks for summer 2019 that deliver great style, cost-savings, and better time management.
#1 Get Smart with a Programmable Thermostat
You’re already planning you and your kids’ summer break schedule. This is the perfect time to install a programmable thermostat that will give you more control over your energy bills. With a programmable thermostat, you can cool your house when you’re home and keep your air conditioning unit turned off when you and your family are away from home. You can control the latest styles of programmable thermostats with your smartphone or other smart home devices.
#2 Block the Heat with Blackout Curtains
The right set of curtains adds beauty and sophistication to a room. However, some curtains go the extra mile and block out heat from the sun as well. Blackout curtains are made of tightly woven materials that create an effective barrier between the sun’s rays and your living room. Many of these curtains have thermal linings that give extra protection against heat. If you can’t find blackout curtains that fit your décor, you can get blackout liners that work with your existing curtains to stop heat from entering your home through windows.
#3 Prepare for Backyard BBQs with a Refinished Deck
During summer, your deck becomes the center of attention at backyard cookouts and evening parties. Unsealed wood decks lose their luster and develop splinters when they are exposed to outdoor elements for many years. If left neglected for too long, your deck will become structurally unsound, and you’ll need to replace it. A deck replacement can cost you thousands of dollars. You can refinish your deck before summer starts to make this BBQ season more enjoyable. The maintenance that you do for your deck now will extend its life well into the future.
#4 Circulate Cool Air Better with Ceiling Fans
Your air conditioner works overtime during the long days of summer. Installing ceiling fans in rooms that get high amounts of traffic can reduce the workload of your home’s HVAC unit. Ceiling fans come in many styles, and you’re sure to find one that enhances your home’s décor. These appliances are relatively easy to install, but you need to check your city’s building regulations to find out if you need to hire an electrician for the job. When ceiling fans are enough to keep your rooms cool, then turn off your air conditioner. You can also lower your energy bills by raising your air conditioner’s thermostat temperature when you run your ceiling fans.
#5 Install Radiant Barriers in Attic for Better Energy Efficiency
You know that insulation is the key to energy efficiency for your home. However, the idea of laying down itch-inducing fiberglass batting in your cramped attic space is not your idea of a fun weekend project. It’s time for you to discover the benefits of radiant barriers. A radiant barrier is a lightweight, foil-like material that reflects heat away from your living space when installed between your attic’s rafters.
#6 Create an Outdoor Shower
You’re blessed with a spacious yard that becomes a hub for fun and games during the summer months. This is especially true if your backyard includes a pool. Your home’s air conditioner works harder to keep your dwelling cool as children and guests stream in and out of your house to shower before and after swim sessions. Building an outdoor shower is a great way to save on your energy bills during the summer months. Your children and guests can freshen up outside and enjoy meals on the grill without making frequent trips indoors.
#7 Clean, Caulk, and Seal Windows
Outdated windows run low on looks and performance. If a window replacement project is not within your budget, you can renew old windows by cleaning and caulking them. Use a vinegar and water solution to clean windows on the inside and outside to make them sparkle. Applying caulk around a window seals gaps and helps to prevent the escape of cool air from your home.
#8 Paint for Beauty and Protection
Painting is one of the easiest home improvements that you can make when you want a dramatic transformation. If you’ve been thinking about painting a room, summer is the time to do the project. During warmer months, you can paint and comfortably open your home’s windows for better ventilation and drying. Exterior paint offers more than just fantastic curb appeal. When quality exterior paint is properly applied, it provides your home with a layer of protection against the weather and the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You’ll find free and low-cost paint supplies at household hazardous waste facilities and Habitat for Humanity ReStores. It’s always a great thing to cut waste in your community while protecting and beautifying your home.
#9 Replace Front Door
Real estate experts agree that updating a home’s front door yields a greater return on investment than most other home improvements. If you have a generic, builder-grade exterior door, you’ll want to replace it with a sturdier version that reflects your home’s style. Choose a door that has good insulation properties and offers better home security. If you already have a high-quality front door, you can paint it to enhance your home’s curb appeal and protect the door from the sun’s damaging rays.
#10 Get Organized with Built-In Pantry and Closet Shelves
Many parents use the lazy days of summer to get organized for the upcoming school year. Installing custom shelves and drawers in your home’s pantry and closets reduce stress and save time in the long run. An organized pantry with built-ins allows for faster meal preparation. Closet organizational systems often equate to less distracting morning routines.
Conclusion
The extended daylight hours of summer are just what you need to tackle the home improvement ideas that you’ve been wanting to do throughout the year. This bucket list of improvement hacks puts a priority on cost savings, beauty, and function.
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