By Anita Ginsburg
If hot weather is just around the corner in your area, you need to be sure that your home is ready for the summer heat. With these simple upgrades and repairs, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your home will remain cool and comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside:
Roof
When it comes to your home’s efficiency, few things are as important as your roof. It protects your home against harsh UV rays and plays a major role in the overall insulation of the property. That is just one of the many reasons why you should carefully inspect the inside and outside of your home at least a few times every year. If you notice any signs of damage, contact a team of roofing contractors to address those issues as soon as possible.
HVAC System
It should come as no surprise that your HVAC system is going to have a big impact on the temperature and humidity inside your home. As a general rule, you should plan on having your HVAC system professionally inspected and serviced at least twice a year. During those service calls, a technician will carry out some important maintenance tasks so that your home remains at a comfortable temperature at all times.
Windows
Another feature of your home that's going to impact your daily comfort are your windows. Older windows are notoriously inefficient, and a lot of heat transfer could be taking place if you haven't gotten new windows within the last decade. Although investing in new windows can be relatively pricey, they could save you money in the long run. At the very least, you should make sure that there aren’t any gaps or openings around your existing windows.
Insulation
Although every home is different, residential insulation should usually be replaced at least once every few decades. Those who have an older home should consider upgrading the insulation as well. Blow-in insulation is very easy to install, and this simple project will have a major impact on your home’s efficiency.
Carrying out these projects might seem like they'll take a lot of time and energy, but they could end up saving you a large amount of money over time. Some simple alterations could potentially preserve or increase the value of your home, and that means that they're going to be excellent long-term investments!
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colorado. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business, and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. She recommends contacting roofing contractors and other professionals to inspect your home before summer hits. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
The roof on my rental property is 20 years old. There aren’t complaints from the tenants about leaks or anything but when should I think about replacing it? Before or after the summer?