Preparing your home for warmer weather

Spring is finally here and summer’s just around the corner. What better way to greet the warmer weather than a preparing for it? We’re talking maintenance checks, decluttering and placing winter items into storage. We all know that nothing beats a great spring clean, but there are other tasks you can do to help you prepare for the amazing weather ahead.

Check that your air-conditioner is ready

Your air-conditioner will soon be working overtime so make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Things you can do to help ease its stress is to check and clean its air filter. Next, get your AC system serviced by a HVAC professional. Doing so will make sure your air conditioner works efficiently as possible during summer. Also keep in mind that for older units − we’re talking systems that are 10-15 years old – it may be best to replace them. Not only will they be easier and cheaper to serviced but modern units are also more environmentally friendly.

Inspect and clean gutters and drainpipe

The wet weather will soon be upon us, so make sure your gutters and drainpipe are clear of debris and free of holes. Also, Fire and Rescue NSW advises that “if you live in a bushfire prone area, keep the ground around your home clear of leaves and other litter and remember to clean your gutters regularly” ¹, this will help ensure that your home is fire safe.

Fix windows and doors

We all know that warm weather equals bugs and insects. To prevent an onslaught of bites and itch, make sure you check your windows, doors and screens for holes. If you think they’re a little worn-out, you may want to consider replacing them with a stronger and more durable model.

All in important smoke detector checks

Another fire safety step is to check that all your smoke detectors are working. Run quick test and replace batteries where needed. If you like, you can also install Carbon Monoxide detectors in common areas and bedrooms to help detect levels of CO gas.

Install insulation

If you want to ensure that your home stay nice and cosy all year round, you may want to consider installing insulation. Insulation is great barrier to help ease heat flow in your home. “A well-insulated and well-designed home provides year-round comfort, cutting cooling and heating bills by up to half. This, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”² There are two types of insulation used in Australia: bulk and reflective. Bulk insulation resist heat and cold, and traps air in its layers. The materials used to create bulk insulation includes wool, glass wool, cellulose fibres, polyester and polystyrene. While, reflective insulation, as the name suggest, relies on its reflective material which is usually made up of shiny aluminium foil laminated onto paper or plastic to resist heat. The Australian Government’s guide to environmentally sustainable homes for more info.

Check your garden hose

Summer in Australia usually involves extreme temperature and extended dry periods, with some days reaching up +40°C. Sadly, this increases the chances of bushfires particularly in prone areas. We suggest you inspect your garden hose for holes and ensure that it’s fitted with a water saving nozzle to help reduce water usage.

Prepare your plants for extreme weather

Preparing your plants for warmer weather requires some elbow grease, but it’s a task that you should do to ensure that they last and survive the extreme weather ahead. Below are some things you can do to help prepare your plants:

• If you haven’t already, invest in plants that are easy to care and water-wise, a good example of this are succulents and native Australian plants. They not only cope with the Australian climate but also require less water.
• Water your plants deeply before the hot weather hits and make sure you schedule this in the early morning rather than evening to encourage excess moisture to evaporate and help prevent the development of fungal disease.
• Feed your plants with good quality fertiliser such as seaweed tonic and fish emulsion
• To help keep the soil moist and help reduce evaporation during summer, add a layer of coarse mulch. This also helps lower soil temperature.

Declutter your garage and shed

Finally, take the time to declutter your garage and shed. We know that these two have been your dumping ground for the past few months, but now it’s time to roll up your sleeve and get cleaning. Make sure you dispose of any appliances or goods that no longer functions or you no longer want. Of course, there’s bound to be items that you want to keep but may be storage an issue. This is where Smartbox can help. Smartbox is the perfect self-storage solution for locals living in Sydney and Melbourne. We come to you, so there’s no need to worry about going to-and-fro your storage container. We’ll deliver your storage box or container straight to your driveway, where you can pack and load it your way. Once you’re done, we’ll pick it up and store it our facility. Forget wondering where closest “self-storage near me” is located, your Smartbox comes to you! For more information visit our How Smartbox Works page or call us on 1300 880 800.