By Brooke Chaplan
Desert living can be a life-changing experience for homeowners seeking a getaway from the daily stress of living in the city. Though living in the desert, in states like Arizona and New Mexico, may seem a bit extreme to some, a few upgrades can turn any house in the desert into a dream house. Consider the following suggestions:
Water Purification System
Families that choose to make a home for themselves in the middle of the desert need certain essentials like water purification systems to make sure they always have access to clean water. If the desert is in a rural area, there will be no federal laws in place to regulate the sanitation of the water. For this reason, homeowners must install a water purification system in their home to make sure the water they drink, shower with and cook with is properly sanitized.
High-Speed Internet
Living in the desert can be quite solitary. As the desert is such an isolated location, homeowners with property here should invest in high-speed internet to make sure they stay connected. With fixed point wireless internet in Arizona, for instance, homeowners can easily access high-speed internet without having to use a physical wire to connect. This type of internet is ideal for homeowners that live in more remote locations that may otherwise have a challenging time accessing the internet.
Humidifiers
Extremely dry heat is something families will immediately take note of after moving to their new desert destination. This type of heat can have adverse effects on the body as it causes the lungs, skin and other bodily systems to dry out as well. Homeowners can combat this humidity-free air by installing humidifiers in their homes. This way, the air throughout the house will be easier to breathe as it keeps the body hydrated.
Protection From the Sun
Sun damage can be a problem anywhere in the world, but is particularly damaging for those living in the desert. Everything from your furniture to your skin needs to be properly cared for to minimize the debilitating effects of the sun. By limiting your exposure to the sun, slathering on sunblock and keeping your furniture out of direct sunlight, you'll be better able to avoid the more negative effects of sun damage.
Turn a desert den into your dream home with these tips. Though it may take some time to adjust to desert living, this guide will make the process much easier!
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She recommends fixed point wireless internet in Arizona. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
A very important topic missed in this article is with regard to energy, which is crucial to maintaining comfort in the home. For example, energy efficient air conditioning system with a minimum of 14 SEER or greater. Energy efficient windows, doors and even window treatment in order to maintain homes cool as well as warm in the winter, since the desert can become very cold in winter months. As a desert resident myself, I have considered even installing a natural gas generator in case there are rolling blackouts, as they can occur during high demand periods during the summer. Without power, in the middle of summer, a situation can become extremely uncomfortable and for some, even life threatening because of excessive heat during the summer months can exceed 120*F.