Judicious #home improvements can help cope with extreme heat, Kiplinger says. Protect your roof by installing attic ventilation and adding or replacing insulation, which can also reduce the burden on your HVAC system and reduce energy costs. Shade trees, awnings and window films can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures by blocking direct sunlight. And if you really want to guarantee comfort, prepare for the worst by investing in a standby generator or installing solar panels and a battery backup to power essential equipment during an emergency. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Tag: home improvement
Avoid Cooking When Temperatures Soar
Cooking produces a lot of #heat in the kitchen, says CNET, so when you may wish to limit those activities during an extreme heat event. Even if your home is air-conditioned, cooking can add stress to electrical demands and have a negative effect on indoor air quality. Try no-cook meals such as salads or ceviche, or take anything that needs flame to an outdoor grill. You can also turn to small appliances such as an air fryer or microwave oven, which consume less energy and produce significantly less heat to get foodstuffs hot. If you must use the stove and oven, wait until nightfall and open the windows. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Precautions to Observe in Extreme Heat
“Everyone should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during extreme #heat,” says Mother Jones. When temperatures and humidity soar, try to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you are among the 12% of U.S. households that don’t have at least some air conditioning, seek refuge at a cooling center, library, movie theater or mall. Never leave pets and children unattended in a car during hot weather, and take plenty of breaks when spending time outdoors. And if you must engage in outdoor activity, avoid the hottest hours of the day between noon and 4 p.m. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Federal records cited by Scientific American say that #heat “caused or contributed to” at least 2,300 U.S. deaths in 2023. With a heat wave blanketing a large part of the country this week, protect yourself by limiting strenuous activity, drinking plenty of water, and seeking shade and climate-controlled environments whenever possible. If you start to feel flushed, faint, confused, nauseous or otherwise overheated, seek help and a cooler environment immediately to avoid heatstroke — a life-threatening condition. Apply cool compresses to your head and neck for initial relief. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Start Scheduling Those Home Renovations Now
It’s below zero outside Organizing Blog headquarters, meaning that we’re spending most of our time inside, where it’s warm. But all of this indoor time has made us notice some of the shortcomings of our surroundings — things that would benefit from a little maintenance and renovation.
We’ve noticed these things before. Deteriorating tile grout. Floors that need sanding. Paint that’s getting dingy. Cabinets sticking. And that’s just the interior of the house — there’s also a fence that needs mending, peeling shingles and cracks in the garage floor!
Some of your #home #improvement projects will be more urgent than others, of course, and a few may be rather involved. But if you have any renovations that absolutely need to get done this year to protect your home’s value, now is the time to plan them.
#Spring and #summer are the peak seasons for home improvement projects. If one or more of your projects requires a contractor, be aware that their schedules fill up fast. Get estimates and schedule your projects while it’s still cold to retain a good contractor, or you may be forced to wait months, hire someone less capable or spend extra money on a rush job.
Assuming you don’t have an endless pile of #money, you’ll want to make a list of potential projects and prioritize the most urgent. A new roof or furnace might not be as sexy as a spa bathroom, for example, but if the time has come for a replacement, that’s where you need to put your money first.
If a prioritized project is something that adds to the home’s livability and appeal such as a new gourmet kitchen, planning ahead often leads to better outcomes. “Choosing the right materials, colors and styles for your home is a significant decision,” says Pro-Home Services. “Rushing through it could leave you with regrets later.”
Many remodeling projects require permits, which can take time to obtain. Weather and supply chain disruptions may also get in the way of completion, so allow time for delays. And again, “If you wait too long to schedule your home remodeling project, you may struggle to find a contractor,” Pro-Home says. “You don’t want to settle for whomever happens to be available.”
Make a list of the projects you’d like to get done. Figure out which ones you can handle yourself (and what that might require), and which will require professional help. Then, start making calls. Before summer is over, you’ll be able to check one or more of those projects off your list! #HomeImprovement #HomeRenovation