5 Hot Home Improvement Ideas for Summer

1. Update Your Old Air Conditioner: Replacing an old air conditioner with a high-efficiency air conditioner could reduce your energy usage anywhere from 20–50%, which means you’ll save money! New, efficient air conditioners will also cool your home better and keep you more comfortable during hot, humid summers. If you don’t have a central air system, consider ductless heating and cooling!

2. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat: With a programmable thermostat, you can set your heating and cooling system to change temperatures automatically at different times of the day. For example, during the day when the sun’s blazing, you can program your thermostat to lower to a certain temperature to fight the heat and humidity effectively and keep your home cool and comfy. You can then set a higher temperature for cooler times of the day, such as evening when the sun goes down and early morning. If you set up the cooling schedule effectively, you can save a substantial amount of money each month. According to Energy Star, the average homeowner can save about $180 each year by setting their programmable thermostat properly. Typically, during cooler times of the day, you should set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher to save more energy and money. A programmable thermostat should be installed by a professional HVAC technician.
3. Add a Deck: A deck addition can help you better utilize your outdoor space during the summer. It will give you a place to grill and watch the kids play in the back yard or extra space for entertaining and hanging out with family and friends. In Iowa, according to Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value Report, a wooden deck addition recoups an average of 62.1%.
4. Invest in New Windows: You’d be surprised by how much of a difference new windows can make on your home. If you have old, damaged windows or cheap, inefficient windows that let in drafts, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows this summer. You’ll not only make your home noticeably more beautiful, but you’ll increase your return on investment if you eventually decide to sell. You could also save a lot of money on energy bills all year round (as much as $465 for single-pane window replacement and increase indoor comfort for everyone.
5. Cleaning Up: Summer’s a great time to fix up things that are starting to get worn down or were damaged over the cold winter months. If you have problem areas, such as a roof leak, mold in the bathroom or basement, or rotted pieces of wood on the deck or in your home, get them fixed and treated now. The longer you leave these types of things untreated, the more extensive the damage will be when you finally decide to fix them. Your wallet will thank you for getting the pesky projects off your to-do list and taken care of. Your home will ultimately be safer and healthier for everyone and keep it from deteriorating. You can also keep your home looking fresher by touching up walls with paint and updating outdated fixtures throughout your home.

Cyclone’s Remodeling Services

If you need help with any of these home remodeling or heating and cooling services and live in the Ames area, give us a holler! We would love to work with you. We can remodel any room in your house or help you with an addition. We also service and install air conditioners and ductless heating and cooling systems.