With temperatures climbing in Idaho, it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to protect your home from the ruthless heat. There are many steps that you can take to lessen the load of your HVAC system and prevent other long-term heat damages in your home. Your reverse mortgage payout is the perfect opportunity to renovate your home! The Idaho Reverse Mortgage team put together a list of home renovations that will protect your house from the heat and keep you cool. Check it out!
Use A Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are very efficient at controlling the temperature 24-hours a day. At night the system is smart enough to shut off and go into low power mode. During the heat of the day, it will turn the system on and maintain the temperature in your house to the exact degree you set it to. You also can set different temperatures for daytime and nighttime. Programmable thermostats will help regulate your HVAC system so it is not working too hard in the times that it doesn’t need to be.
Service Your AC Unit
Along with installing your new thermostat, you should always get your AC unit checked before the summer heat commences. A professional should check freon levels or any other irregularities that may seem like they could escalate into a bigger issue. Waiting to have your AC unit checked is not recommended. In the summer months, AC repair companies get insanely busy, and getting an appointment with them is always a challenge. Getting your AC unit serviced should be at the top of your summer preparation to-do list!
Insulate Your Attic
Insulating your attic is a great way to reduce the strain that the heat puts on your house. Not only will it significantly lower your power bill, but it will also help control air leakage. Your HVAC system is working so hard in the summer to keep your home cool, but if your attic isn’t properly insulated then the cold air is likely seeping out the roof. If you are looking to make your HVAC system work more efficiently, adding insulation will cut down the work it must output to maintain the temperature.
Inspect Your Roof
The Idaho winters are just as harsh as the summers which means your roof gets beat up all year long. You can do your own visual inspection on your roof to make sure there is no damage. Checking for broken or lifted shingles is one of the first issues you can look for. If you think there is a problem with your roof or don’t really know what to look for, contact a local roofing company!
Seal Your Deck
Your deck is going to be in direct sunlight for most of the day. This leaves it susceptible to color fading and warped boards. Luckily, there is a very simple solution to avoid damage to the boards. Sanding and restaining your deck then finishing it with a UV Protectant is one way to preserve it. If you’re still concerned with the sun causing damage, you can use furniture or rugs to cover a majority of the area!
Your reverse mortgage payout is the perfect chance to renovate your home and protect it from the summer heat! If you are interested in starting the reverse mortgage process, contact Idaho Reverse Mortgages today!
