How to Prepare Your Home for Summer Weather

April and May might bring showers and flowers, but summer brings thunderstorms and extreme temperatures that can send even the bravest outdoor adventurers running for the hills. When thunderclouds loom above and even the thought of stepping outdoors makes you sweat, it’s often best to seek sanctuary inside your home and wait for the storms to pass.

However, if your home isn’t properly equipped to handle such weather, the rain and humidity may be able to easily find its way inside. Understanding how to prepare your home for summer weather will help you stay cool and dry indoors all season long. This guide explores how to prepare your home for summer weather with several helpful tips, tricks, and home renovation hacks.

Have your HVAC system serviced

The dog days of summer may seem great in theory, but after several days of extreme temperatures, you’ll be ready to call it quits from the comfort of your air-conditioned home. As such, it’s important to ensure your home’s HVAC system is in proper working order and able to handle the upcoming heat.

The most important aspect of your HVAC system will be the air conditioning, of course, but ventilation is also very important. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can be very high during the summer, and they may find their way into your home’s ductwork.

If your HVAC system isn’t properly cleaned and serviced and you run the air conditioning regularly, these allergens will be quickly transported throughout the air inside your home. Cleaning your air filters as well as your HVAC system will reduce the potential that dust and allergens will be blown about inside your home.

Seal leaks and potential entry points

Summer thunderstorms aren’t something to take lightly. They can hit in an instant and wreak serious havoc in a short period of time. Taking the necessary precautions to weatherproof your house will ensure that no water, wind, or hail enters your home, even during the worst storms.

Start by checking all doors and windows for potential leaks. Seal these entry points and replace the insulation around the windows if necessary. The seals around all the windows and doors should be as tight as possible—not only to prevent water from entering your home, but also to deter small insects from doing the same.

Small animals may also try to seek out your home as solace against the storms, so be sure to fill any larger points of entry as well.

Inspect your roof and gutters

Your roof and gutters will serve as your first line of defense against storm damage, so it’s important that they’re as sturdy and reliable as possible. Perform a visual assessment of the quality of your roof. Be on the lookout for any loose or missing shingles and any instances where it seems like the gutter may be pulling away from the roof.

Tend to these problems immediately, as they’re likely to let rain enter your home. Be sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts as well to ensure the entire system is in proper working condition before the first big storm hits.

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