How to Prepare Your Sacramento House for a Hot and Humid Summer

Sacramento, California, is no stranger to hot and humid summers. Temperatures here often soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity levels can also make the air feel heavy. Recently, the hot summer weather situation in the Sacramento area is getting a bit out of hand. 

According to The Sacramento Bee, weather data clearly shows that summers in Sacramento are getting hotter and hotter. The summer situation in this part of California has been worsening over the last decade or so. 

The Washington Post adds to Sacramento’s worries. It says that the city’s summers are some of the driest, wettest, and hottest in the country. Thus, for those living in Sacramento, CA, preparing for hot and humid summers has become a yearly necessity. 

There are specific steps you can take to make your Sacramento house more comfortable and less costly to cool during the scorching season. Here are a few practical tips to get your home ready for a hot and humid summer:

Optimize Your Insulation

Insulation is often associated with keeping your home warm in the winter. However, it’s equally important for keeping the heat out during the summer months. In a hot and humid climate like Sacramento, investing in proper insulation can make a significant difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. 

Check the insulation in your attic first and then move on to the walls. If you notice any gaps, tears, or signs of wear, consider adding more insulation or replacing damaged sections. You can also use reflective insulation or radiant barriers to deflect the sun’s heat away from your home, reducing indoor temperatures.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks are a common source of energy waste in homes, especially in older ones. During the summer, warm air from outside can infiltrate your home, making your air conditioning system work harder and driving up your energy bills. To combat this, conduct a thorough inspection of your home for air leaks. 

Pay close attention to areas around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or sealant to seal any gaps or cracks you find. Properly sealing your home will not only keep cool air in but also hot and humid air out, ensuring a more comfortable indoor environment. It also ensures better indoor air quality. 

Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Your air conditioning system will be your best friend during a Sacramento summer. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure it’s in tip-top shape before the heat hits.

Start by changing or cleaning your air filters regularly. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, making your AC less efficient and causing it to work harder. Next, schedule a professional HVAC maintenance check-up. According to Fix-It Rite, it’s vital that you get your AC unit checked for maintenance every year. An experienced technician can clean your system, check for any issues, and ensure it’s running at its peak efficiency. 

If you need expert services related to air conditioning repair in Sacramento, there are several top-class options for you to choose from. Air conditioning systems in this part of California often require quick fixing. Thus if your air conditioner needs to be fixed, the best service related to AC repair is only a call away. 

Install Window Treatments

Windows can easily gain heat and warm up the inside of your house. If you want to deal with this problem, you should install window treatments. Doing so will help you keep the sun out and your house cool from the Sacramento summer. 

Using blackout curtains and reflective window films is highly recommended. They can reduce the amount of solar radiation entering your home, keeping the indoor temperature more comfortable. 

These window treatments not only help with temperature control but also protect your furniture and flooring from UV damage. Besides, according to Forbes, window treatments are also effective in ensuring more privacy and better energy efficiency. Thus, there seems to be no reason as to why you should avoid installing window treatments. 

Create Shade Around Your House

Creating shade around your home can have a substantial impact on reducing indoor temperatures. Start by planting shade trees strategically around your property. Trees provide natural shade and can significantly lower the temperature in your outdoor spaces.

If you don’t have the time to wait for trees to grow, you can also use temporary shade solutions. These include setting up retractable awnings or pergolas with shade cloth. Such additions can help keep your outdoor areas cool and make spending time outside more enjoyable during the summer months. 

Besides, shade structures can indirectly cool your home by reducing heat gain through windows and walls.

Conclusion

Preparing your Sacramento house for a hot and humid summer goes beyond the usual advice of staying hydrated and seeking shade. It involves taking proactive steps to ensure your home remains a comfortable refuge from the scorching heat.

By sticking to the tips above, you can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable indoor environment during the hottest months of the year. Don’t wait until the heatwave arrives. Start implementing these strategies now to stay cool and relaxed all summer long in Sacramento.

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