Before all that summer heat really starts to kick in and your weather app begins to alert you to the dreaded “heatwave alert,” there’s something really important you should consider: your home. Yes, the contents of your closet aren’t the only things needing a seasonal switch. If you live in Setauket, NY, for example, where the humidity has been known to be dreadful, you already know how quickly things become uncomfortable. And, well, nobody really feels like spending all summer sweating indoors or getting blindsided by high repair bills.
So a bit of preparation can go a long way. A few easy home maintenance tasks now can make your space more in sync with your lifestyle and help prevent larger disasters later. Let’s go through a bunch of smart, very doable things that will help you keep your home cool, save energy and actually enjoy summer — without experiencing any last-minute frenzy.
Check and Prep Your Cooling System
Your air conditioning system is essentially the hero that offers unmatched comfort during the summers. When it’s not working well, things can go downhill quickly and you feel uncomfortable throughout the season.
Here’s what you should do to ensure it runs smoothly during the hot summer months:
- Hire a local Setauket, NY air conditioning company to do a professional inspection.
- And don’t forget to replace or clean out air filters (those things collect a lot of gunk!).
- Request the technician to test the refrigerant levels.
- Beware of any old or worn parts that may cause problems later.
Address these things now and you’ll save money on energy bills and emergency repair visits when the heat is truly oppressive.
Seal Up All Gaps
You must have heard of those drafts around the doors and windows, right? They seem harmless, but they’re leaching all that lovely, cool air outside — and letting hot air in. Your air conditioner now has to work harder, and you get stuck with higher bills.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Take a walk around your home and test for drafts.
- Add weather-stripping to the edges of your door frames.
- Around windows, vents and even baseboards, use caulk to fill gaps.
It’s an inexpensive and simple project, and it makes a dramatic difference when temperatures soar.
Clean Up Those Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans improve airflow, which makes rooms feel cooler without adjusting the thermostat. But they don’t operate properly when they are coated in dust or rotating in the wrong direction.
Here’s what to do:
- Dust the blades — seriously, they gather dust.
- During summer, make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise. This forces cold air downward and helps make that chilly breeze happen.
We promise it will only take a few minutes, and it’ll do wonders for the coolness of your space.
Prepare Your Windows
Heat enters your home through your windows. It looks nice, sure, but it warms up your home quickly and adds to your AC’s workload.
A few things that work:
- Get some blackout or thermal curtains. These block sunlight and help cool rooms.
- If you still want some natural light but could do without a lot of heat, consider adding light-filtering shades.
- UV-blocking window film is another option.
These simple updates can completely transform the feel of a room.
Don’t Forget the Roof and Gutters
Your roof gets exposed to the elements directly. These include direct sunlight, heat waves, and random thunderstorms.
So take some time to:
- Check for missing or damaged shingles.
- Examine patches where the surface is depressed or looks worn.
- Prevent overflow and water damage by cleaning out your gutters.
If your roof is older, or you’re just not super comfortable getting up there, it’s probably worth it to hire someone to check it for you. And gutter cleaning does more than just keep your home dry — it can prevent musty smells and mold when humidity spikes.
Tune Up the Sprinklers
For people with the slightest bit of grass: Do you want your lawn to remain green, without pouring a ridiculous amount of water on it? Here’s what you can do:
- Check all the sprinkler heads for cracks or clogs.
- Repair any leaky valves or uneven spray.
- Be sure you’re not watering your sidewalk (yes, it’s more common than you’d think).
Also, consider watering early in the morning or late in the evening. That way, less water evaporates, and your plants can actually use it. If you’re up for a small tech upgrade, add a smart timer or moisture sensor to make the process more efficient.
Swap Out Old Light Bulbs
Fine, so this might seem like a small thing — but believe us, it matters. Old school, traditional light bulbs generate heat, which raises the temperature in your home. And when you’re already trying to beat the heat, that is not what you want.
So what’s the fix? Here are some ways to counter this issue:
- Switch out incandescent lights for LED or CFL bulbs.
- Opt for energy-efficient lighting that remains cool to the touch and lasts much longer.
LEDs consume less energy and produce less heat, which is pretty much a win-win. And you won’t have to buy a new pair anytime soon, too.
Show Your Fridge Some Love
This one is often overlooked. But just as your AC is giving its best in the heat, so is your fridge.
A few things you can do:
- Clean the condenser coils (typically in the back or bottom of the unit).
- The door seals should be tight and in good condition, with no cracks.
- You’ll want your fridge to be somewhere between 37° and 40°F and the freezer at 0°F, which will help prevent both bacterial growth and freezing.
Running your fridge efficiently will also help prevent food waste and keep your energy bills from soaring.
Free Up Hot Spots in Your Home
You might have noticed that a cluttered room simply seems warmer. Well, you’re not imagining things because clutter can indeed obstruct airflow and make your home feel stuffy. Clear away things blocking vents, fans, or windows, so you can think about what will keep you comfortable (and know the size of the area you’re trying to cool).
Here’s where to look:
- Around return air vents.
- On window sills or close to blinds and curtains.
- Near ceiling fans where air should be circulating.
A three-minute declutter can give any room an immediate airier feel.
Every single one of these tips is simple enough for you to address on any given weekend, and collectively they can make your home cool. Your cooling system will consume less energy and have less of a problem with surprises. And there’s something extremely satisfying about feeling that your home is prepared to handle whatever summer throws its way.
So pull out that to-do list and get to work — you’re going to feel much better.
