Prepare for Summer 2022

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Prepare For Summer 2022

Fulton Homes

Posted: 6/7/2022

Four Tips to Prepare Your Home
for Summertime in AZ

Triple digits are just around the corner and as most Arizonans know, we're in for several months of extreme heat, along with an occasional monsoon or microburst. Severe weather in our state has been known to impact our environment causing everything from outrageous energy bills to downed trees, fires and even visits from a variety of household pests. So, before you slip on your swimsuit and head to the nearest pool to cool off, here are four tips to prepare your home for summertime in Arizona.

First, and most importantly, get your A/C professionally checked. A fully functioning air conditioning system is an absolute must for surviving summers in the desert. There are dozens of companies that specialize in air conditioning tune ups and most include a check of your indoor air filter. A dirty one can restrict airflow and cause your A/C to operate less efficiently. Take note that filters should be changed every month, if possible.

A professional will also check refrigerant levels and make sure all mechanical and electrical mechanisms are operating at peak levels to keep your home cool and comfortable. Fortunately, those who live in a Fulton Home have the advantage that comes with purchasing an Indoor airPLUS certified home. That means all Fulton Homes include technology that reduces indoor air pollutants, improves indoor air quality and ensures that the HVAC system is always running optimally and efficiently.

A second tip for getting your home ready for summer and for adding to your energy efficiency is to make sure your ceiling fans are all spinning counter clockwise. This will allow the fans to push the air straight down and create a welcoming breeze. If your fan was spinning clockwise for the winter and you need to reverse the direction, be sure your fan is turned off first and the blades have completely stopped spinning, then use a ladder to locate the direction switch on the side of the fan above the blades. Toggle the switch to the opposite direction and while you're up there, make sure to dust your fan blades to improve the air quality in your room.

While it's important to tune up the inside of your home, we can't forget about the outside, as well. Summertime is officially Bark Scorpion season in Arizona and it's important to protect yourself and your family from these venomous creatures. July and August are peak times for scorpion activity, with rising heat and humidity causing populations to be the most active.

It's best to hire a professional pest control company to spray for this resilient member of the arachnid family. Due to their tough exoskeleton, typical treatment for these critters means working to eliminate their presence by eliminating their food source – small insects around your home or yard. If you're a DIYer, you can certainly spray for other bugs yourself, but also consider utilizing Diatomaceous Earth (DE) sprinkled across window and door sills. DE is comprised of fossilized diatoms that is safe for pets and people, and has sharp edges that cut the scorpion's exoskeleton. Caulking windows and doors can also stop and scorpions from infiltrating your home, as well.

The fourth and final tip is one of the most important – safety proof your home. Summertime in Arizona also means a surge in the frequency of house fires. Recreational fireworks and even an increase in time spent grilling outside, combined with typically drier vegetation can lead to unexpected flare ups. Be alert and ready for potential issues by making sure that you always have a fire extinguisher readily available in the house, and also ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Replace batteries with new ones for good measure and test each device to make sure they all work properly. Check that your barbeque grill is at least 10 feet away from any structures or flammable items before firing it up.

And for those with pools, double-check that you have a self-closing, self-latching, child-resistant pool gate. Also, consider adding a pool alarm for an extra element of protection. This alarm will be sounded if there is any movement in the water, which will notify you immediately if a child or pet has fallen into the water. Most importantly, brush up on your tips for keeping kids safe around water.

Once you've successfully prepped your home for summer, sit back and enjoy your beautiful home. Arizona summers are meant for making memories with family and friends and Fulton Homes wishes you a safe and enjoyable summer in the Valley.

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