The Best DIY Home Improvements to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

The Best DIY Home Improvements to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Home improvement projects are an excellent investment that offers various benefits, from improved functionality and increased space to lower energy costs and change of style. This project allows you to customize your home to suit a particular manner, including modern fittings and furniture. Yet, it could be pretty costly if you are on a tight budget. A DIY approach suffices in such instances. In this case, you should consider the following options.

Window Treatments and Ventilation

Window treatment aims at keeping your home pretty cool, particularly during summer. Its ability to enhance aesthetics, minimize indoor temperature, and put no dent in your finances makes it a perfect choice for a tight budget. Usually, you will consider both external and internal window treatments. Awnings and shutters are the most popular selection in this category.

Installing window treatments is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is select a style that fits your budget and preferences. Multiple DIY options are at your disposal, including frosted glass windows, blinds, and privacy screens. You could also consider different trends when installing these treatments, for instance, bold designs, pastel neutrals, and tone-on-tone layering.

AC Maintenance

AC maintenance is essential in improving your indoor air quality. A functional air conditioner helps regulate your indoor temperature. It will also contribute to better indoor air quality, in the long run, thanks to its filtration system. Maintenance requires you to change the coils, filters, and loose parts on time. This way, you can be sure of enhanced value for your money.

However, suppose your AC is pretty old. In that case, it would be best to replace it. Replacing a ten-year-old AC is a wise move, as it saves you between 20% and 40% of cooling energy costs. The only catch is that you need to replace it with a more advanced model.

Get a Better Roof

Suppose you have the skills to do the roof by yourself. In that case, roof repair and installation will suffice. An excellent roof will help control indoor air quality and temperature in the long run. Today, an excellent investment would be an energy-efficient roof. This roof can make the surface cooler by up to 50 degrees cooler in the summer.

The best option would be metal roofing, thanks to its reflective properties. These properties will help keep the house much more relaxed in the long run. Choosing a metal roof assures you better temperature control, durability, and reliability. However, its initial cost could be too high for some people.

However, you can avoid costly roof replacement by considering particular DIY approaches. For instance, you could consider BUR, an acronym for built-up roofing. This option adds a layer of asphalt or bitumen to your roof, making it much cooler. You could also add a layer of cool roof coatings, including cementitious and elastomeric coatings.

Update Your Thermostat

The world is gradually evolving, thanks to advanced technologies. Investing in a modern and programmable thermostat is the first step towards a cool and comfortable home. This programmable device will automatically adjust the temperature of your house, saving you between 10 and 20% on your cooling costs.

Choosing the right thermostat requires you to check compatibility. Ensure that your preferred thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system. It must also be easy to use and install, saving you time and effort.

Focus on Plumbing Systems

Pay attention to your plumbing and drainage system. Ensure that you clean it from time to time, eliminating clogs and identifying any problems that require repairs. At the same time, check for any leakages in the plumbing system. Any leaking plumbing appliance, including faucets, water heaters, and toilets, can waste up to 3000 gallons of water annually.

Home improvement does not have to be costly. Various DIY options, including those above, will keep your budget in check. However, you could consider professional assistance when necessary.