Summer’s here, and as much as that means sunshine, barbecues and long days, it also means one thing you can’t ignore: heat. And we don’t mean the fun, sit-by-the-pool kind of heat. We’re talking about the kind that can transform your living room into a sauna if you’re not prepared — you could jokingly call that an extra feature!
If you live in sun-drenched Bellingham, WA, ensure that your place is prepped for the hot summer days. By making just a few decisions now, you can avoid sweating it out later — literally.
Get a Cooling System Test and Tune-Up
Let’s be honest: There is literally nothing that ruins a hot summer day faster than an AC unit that refuses to function properly. So before summer comes up, show your cooling system some love.
Here’s what you should do:
- Turn it on: Just let it run. If it’s making strange noises, smelling funny, or failing to cool evenly, that’s a problem.
- Clean or replace filters: Dirty filters lead to poor airflow, which means your AC has to work harder and with less efficiency.
- Clean the space around your outdoor unit: Check to ensure that no debris or leaves are blocking it.
- Inspect your vents: Walk around your house and see if there is any barrier blocking your vents.
If your air-conditioning system has not undergone a professional maintenance inspection within the last year, now’s the time to get it inspected before you need to use it regularly. Small issues can creep up without notice.
Hire a professional who offers AC repair in Bellingham, WA. It has the potential to straight-up rescue your summer — and double as bonus help for your indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Opt for Windows That Block Out Heat
Cool air leaks out and hot air sneaks in when windows are not sealed properly or are just super old.
What can you do?
- Look for gaps or drafts: Reseal edges with weatherstripping or caulk. Cheap, easy and incredibly effective.
- Opt for thermal or blackout curtains: This is particularly beneficial in rooms that receive a lot of direct sunlight. These are UV-blocking and keep things cooler.
- Test reflective window film: This is inexpensive and will protect the furniture in your home.
- Open windows to give your AC some rest: Early mornings and evenings tend to be cooler so this is the best time to give your AC some rest.
It’s amazing how the small changes you make here can really add up. Your AC will thank you.
Install Fans to Improve Airflow
Fans are underrated. They don’t cool the air, but they make you feel cooler — and that’s what counts when it’s super hot outside.
Here’s the easy solution that almost everyone overlooks:
- During summer, use your ceiling fans in the counterclockwise direction. It sends air downward and has the same effect as a breeze.
- Clean the blades: A dusty ceiling fan isn’t just disgusting to look at; it can also make your fan less efficient.
- Floor or tower fans: If you don’t have ceiling fans, put floor fans in rooms where you hang out the most.
- Generate cross-breeze: Open windows on opposite sides of the house, or use fans to draw cooler room air toward the windows, and warmer air outside.
Seriously, this can make your home feel a few degrees cooler — and you don’t even have to touch the thermostat.
Seal It Up: Insulation Is Still Important
Think insulation is only for when it gets cold? Nope. Good insulation will keep the cool air inside your home and bad insulation is as though you left the door open all day.
Focus on these areas:
- The attic and your basement: These are typical weak spots.
- Door frames and window sills: Add or replace weatherstripping where necessary.
- Look for hot spots: If certain rooms are warmer than others, leaky ductwork could be the problem. Get it checked or sealed.
Sealing up insulation and duct leaks not only helps with comfort — it reduces wasted energy and those not-so-fun summer electric bills.
Prepare Your Outdoor Area for Summer
To prepare your outdoor space this summer, do the following:
- Clean your furniture: Wipe it down, inspect for winter damage, and repair or replace broken pieces.
- Incorporate shade: Umbrellas, awnings, shelters on the windward side and pergolas provide relief. No one wants to roast under the sun while chilling out.
- Power wash your deck or patio: You’ll be surprised how everything looks better after this.
- Reseal wood surfaces: This helps prevent sun and water damage.
- Put up some lights: Solar-powered lamps, string lights and even lanterns can completely transform the mood at night.
And if you’re into cookouts, install a grilling zone or mini outdoor kitchen. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one — just functional.
Switch Out Heavy Décor for Summer Feels
It isn’t enough to just go with what you feel — it’s about how it feels in your home. And piling on decor can make your space feel hotter and heavier.
Try this:
- Change your bedding to something more breathable: Say goodbye to flannel and heavy blankets. Go with cotton or linen.
- Choose light-colored fabrics: They reflect heat back instead of taking it in.
- Move your furniture around: Give yourself a little room. It assists with circulation and it puts you in that summer mood.
This doesn’t mean you have to buy all new things. Shuffle things around and swap in lighter, fresher components. You really will feel different.
With a bit of preparation and some small swaps, your home could be a cool, comfortable space all summer long. Whether it’s lounging indoors or setting up the ideal backyard space, it’s all about enjoying every second without fretting about all the stuff that’s crumbling behind the scenes.
So prep your space. And when those warm breezes do roll in, you’ll be primed to soak up every single one — without breaking a sweat.
