Summer Prep for Home: Your Essential Guide

The later months often bring sunshine, barbecues and lazy afternoons by the pool. But it also brings scorching heat, unpredictable storms and higher utility bills. To fully enjoy this season, taking time to prepare your home is key. This guide offers summer prep tips, from maintaining your air conditioning to storm safety, plus exclusive discounts for AAA Members.

Air conditioning and ventilation

The importance of air conditioning maintenance

• Avoid dealing with a broken AC during a heatwave by ensuring your system is in working condition before temperatures rise. 
• Schedule a professional tune-up to inspect the unit, clear dust buildup and optimize performance. 
• Change your air filters: 
• A clean filter improves airflow, boosts efficiency and enhances indoor air quality. 
• FiltersFast.com offers AAA Members discounts on a wide range of replacement filters, including AC and pool filters.

Combat humidity with proper ventilation

• High humidity can cause discomfort, mold and mildew. 
• Ensure your home’s ventilation systems, like bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen range hoods, are working correctly. 
• Use portable dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas, such as basements, to reduce humidity levels.

Storm preparedness

Summer storms can appear without warning, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds. Protect your home with these steps:

• Inspect your roof: Check for loose or damaged shingles and repair them promptly to prevent leaks.
• Secure outdoor furniture: Anchor or store patio furniture, umbrellas and grills during a storm to avoid wind damage.
• Create an emergency kit: Look to Ready America, where AAA Members can snag storm prep kits that include essentials like flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies.

Home maintenance checklist

Prepare your home to handle summer’s demands with this essential maintenance checklist:

• Clean your gutters and downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to prevent clogs and water damage during rainstorms. 
• Inspect the roof for damage: Check for cracks, missing shingles or wear that could let rain seep in. 
• Repair foundation cracks: Seal visible cracks to stop water from entering your home. 
• Check outdoor faucets and hoses: Ensure irrigation systems and hoses are working to keep your lawn and garden healthy.

Pool maintenance

Is there a pool in your backyard? Make sure it’s ready for summer relaxation:

• Start with a thorough cleaning: Skim debris off the surface of the water and vacuum the pool floor.
• Test chemical levels: Ensure balanced chlorine, pH and alkalinity levels for safe swimming.
• Replace pool filters: Filters play a crucial role in keeping your pool water crystal clear. Need replacements? Shop from FiltersFast to find discounted pool filters specially curated for AAA Members.

Energy efficiency

Summer heat often translates to increased energy bills, but there are easy ways to lower your consumption:

• Use fans alongside your AC: Ceiling and portable fans can help circulate cool air more efficiently.
• Rely on natural ventilation: Open windows during the cooler parts of the day to reduce reliance on air conditioning systems.
• Reinforce insulation: Proper insulation not only works wonders in winter but also helps block heat during the summer months.

Automotive prep

Planning a summer road trip? Prepare your vehicle just like you prep your home:

• Check tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption and are more prone to blowouts during hot weather.

• Top off fluids: Make sure your car has sufficient levels of coolant, motor oil and windshield washer fluid.

• Inspect your battery: Summer heat can drain a battery faster than expected. Turn to NAPA Auto Parts for AAA Member discounts on auto parts and services to keep your car in top-notch condition.

Shopping smart with AAA Dollars Online Mall

Need last-minute summer essentials? Shop smarter with AAA’s Online Mall and grab deals from some of your favorite retailers like Walmart.

• Stock up on sunscreen, reusable water bottles and lightweight summer linens.

• Check out discounts on outdoor gear, from picnic baskets to beach loungers. 

• Enjoy hassle-free shopping and exclusive bargains delivered straight to your door.

Enjoy a safe and comfortable summer

Prepping your home for summer means more than just checking off a to-do list; it’s about creating a space that’s comfortable, safe and ready for the season’s joys. Whether you’re tackling summer heat, protecting against storms or refreshing your pool, these tips will help you enjoy summer stress-free.