According to the Farmers’ Almanac’s summer 2023 forecast(opens in new tab), most regions in the United States can expect warmer-than-average temperatures. Thunderstorms are also on tap for the Southeast and south Central regions of the country, and heavy rainfall is expected in the Central states.
Kiplinger talked to home experts on how to prepare your home for this summer’s weather conditions.
- Tune up your HVAC system
An inefficient HVAC system can drive up your summer cooling costs. Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi(opens in new tab), tells Kiplinger she recommends hiring a professional HVAC technician to service your system before summer begins to ensure it will run smoothly during the hot-weather months. According to Angi data(opens in new tab), a tune-up costs an average of $150 — less than half of the cost of the average HVAC repair bill.
- Change HVAC air filters
“A clean HVAC filter can reduce allergens in your home and help your HVAC system run easier,” Micetich says. For best results, she suggests changing your HVAC filter at least once every three months. - Rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise
When used properly, a ceiling fan can help keep a room cool. In the summer, you should set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. “This will help circulate cool air and push it down into your room, creating a cooling effect throughout,” Kate McKenna, a senior editor at home improvement website The Spruce(opens in new tab), tells Kiplinger. - Plug air leaks
A poorly insulated house can jack up your utility bill, but you can combat it with a combination of air sealing and proper insulation. Check your home’s attic, windows, and exterior doors for gaps, and seal them before the summer months to help keep conditioned air inside your home.
Bonus: Adding insulation also means you’ll save money in the winter by keeping warm air inside your house. Indeed, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in their attic, floors over crawl spaces, and basements, the EPA estimates(opens in new tab).