How to Prepare your Houston Home for the Summer
As we saw in February with the unprecedented winter storms, Texas weather can be unpredictable — so it’s always smart to be prepared! Here’s how you can prepare and protect your home for the Summer.
01 Triple-check the basics
If there are any problems, no matter how insignificant they may seem, it’s better to catch them early on as they could eventually disrupt the entire system if not fixed soon enough!
Here’s what you should look out for:
Close and seal any gaps in windows and doorways that could let hot air in and the cold air escape.
Make sure your HVAC system is in top shape and operating properly at full capacity.
Head up into the attic to ensure your insulation is still properly intact to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round.
Change out your air filters once a month to keep them operating efficiently and at full capacity.
02 Unplug
Think about how hot the bottom of your laptop can get if you’ve been using it for a while — you don’t want this extra heat circulating through your home. We recommend going swimming or venturing out into the city for a fun family day instead!
Whenever you aren’t using electronics like your computer, laptop or television, make sure that they are turned off and unplugged to not only save on your electricity bill but to also keep unwanted and unnecessary heat away.
03 Avoid Larger Appliances
During the day, when the heat is at its highest temperature, try to avoid using big appliances like the stove, oven, dishwasher, and dryer.
Here’s what we recommend doing instead:
Prep foods on your stove in the evening and warm them up in the microwave during the day. Or, embrace the heat and get grilling on the patio!
Air or hang dry your laundry instead of throwing it in the dryer. This can also help you save on electricity if you do this beyond the summer season too.
Switch out your incandescent light bulbs, that produce excess heat, with low-energy bulbs instead.
04 Simple Tips to Keeping Cool
Your air conditioning unit will start working over time as temperatures rise, and that can make a dent in your wallet if you aren’t careful.
So, instead of pushing your HVAC system to its limits and running up your electricity bill, follow these tips:
Make sure all windows and doors are fully shut and no air is coming in or escaping.
Draw the blinds curtains — we recommend double layered curtains with the top one being a blackout curtain (also great for midday summer naps!)
For an extra gush of cool air, place a bowl or bucket of ice cold water in front of a fan.
Colina homeowner? We’ve got you covered.
As a Colina homeowner, you carry extra peace of mind knowing that we take our commitment to quality very seriously — using only the best construction materials, building teams, and process for over a decade.
All of our homes also come with extensive warranty coverage so that if anything were to go wrong, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about what’s included here.
P.S. Remember to stay hydrated, wear thin clothing, and if you’re outside try to find some shade to stay cool. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
