10 Ideas for Summer-Proofing Your Georgia Home (and Basement) This Spring

Are you looking for ideas to summer-proof your North Metro Atlanta home (and basement) this Spring?

If so, there are several key items to think about as you begin to prepare your house, and basement, for a hot Georgia summer.

Here are some things to consider:

Before the summer heat arrives, make sure your air conditioning system is working properly.

Clean or replace the filters, check the ductwork for leaks, and consider hiring a professional to perform an annual maintenance check.

Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Seal any gaps with weather-stripping or caulk to keep the cool air inside during the summer months.

It may seem obvious, but ensure your family is diligent about keeping doors and windows closed when the air conditioning is running.

If your windows are beyond repair, investing in new energy-efficient windows can make a huge difference.

If window replacement is not in your budget, consider installing Low E film or UV film to mitigate the sunlight – and therefore heat- pouring into your home.

Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Consider installing them in rooms where you spend the most time.

Remember to always set your fan to circulate counterclockwise in the summer.

This creates a downdraft and helps to keep the room cooler.

Installing blinds, shades or curtains will help block out sunlight and keep your home cooler.

Look for options that are energy-efficient and block UV rays.

Always remember to close your window treatments at the time of day when the direct sun is hitting your home.

Trees and awnings can provide shade for your home, reducing the amount of heat that enters during the summer months.

Proper insulation can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Consider hiring a professional to check your insulation and make any necessary upgrades.

Make sure your gutters are clear of debris to prevent water damage during summer storms.

Install lighting around your home to make it more welcoming during summer evenings.

Consider energy-efficient options like solar lights.

Summer is prime time for pests like ants and mosquitoes.

Check for any signs of infestations and take steps to eliminate them before they become a problem.

It’s best to hire a professional pest control company to do a complete inspection of both the interior and exterior of your home.

If you have a sprinkler system, check for leaks and to ensure it’s working properly before summer arrives.

Leaks that go unchecked can lead to high water bills and can perpetuate saturated wet spots in the yard which can oftentimes lead to additional issues.

If you have a pool, spring is the perfect time to do a maintenance check and cleaning.

The pool filters may need to be changed and the pool itself should be scrubbed and treated with the appropriate chemicals to balance the pH of the water.