The Best Home Improvement Projects for Summer

The days are getting longer, the nights are getting warmer… Yes, summer is on its way! The summer period often means spending more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine, but it also means having a cool, safe haven to come home to when it becomes unbearably hot outside. As such, there are several home improvement projects for the summer that will not only make the outside of your home look wonderful but also plenty of projects that will ensure your home is both energy-efficient and comfortable as the days become warmer and warmer. If you are looking for some inspiration, here are some of our top home improvement projects for the summer. 

1. Invest in Cooler Lighting and Appliances

If you are wanting to make your home a cool haven as the days heat up, there are actually some small changes you can make that will make a major difference. Electrical appliances and light bulbs affect the indoor temperature in your home and can make it a lot warmer, so summer is the perfect time to replace any incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient options that produce much less heat, for example; LEDs or CFLs. Not only do they transmit less heat, but using energy-efficient light bulbs can also help reduce your electricity bill as they use around 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, according to Energy Star. 

You could also consider upgrading some of your larger appliances like fridges, dishwashers and dryers to more energy-efficient models, which will also help reduce the ambient heat in your home during summer.

2. Replace Your Siding

Replacing your old siding is another way to prepare for the summer, as the right siding can drastically affect the temperature inside your home, and therefore help lower your utility bills. Not to mention if you plan on having guests around and enjoying the fresh outdoors, you will want your home looking as good as new. Vinyl siding is a great replacement siding as it comes in a variety of colors and styles, while also being affordable and durable. 

3. Restain Your Deck

If outdoor entertaining is your thing, restaining your deck is a great home improvement project for summer. This is a great option for you if you like to DIY your home improvement projects! Restaining your deck is relatively inexpensive but it can really enhance the outdoor space of your home – almost like a backyard facelift! 

4. Replace Old Windows

Perhaps one of the best home improvement projects you can do to beat the summer heat is replacing old windows. A lot of a home’s heat gain can be attributed to the quality and type of windows you have. For example, if your window is leaky or was constructed out of energy-inefficient materials, chances are you will be suffering the consequences during the summer months – not only in temperature but with higher than normal energy bills. Sealing, repairing, or waterproofing your windows is a great way to reduce heat gain during the summer months. Pro tip: Opt for double-pane, high-performing glass (low-E coating), which will significantly reduce temperature transfer both during summer and winter. 

5. Insulate Your Home

Insulation is one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable year-round. There are countless different insulation materials depending on your needs and where you plan on installing insulation (but a professional home improvement contractor will be able to help you decide which is best). Spray foam, rigid foam boards and batt insulation are all highly effective ways of regulating your home’s inside temperature. 

6. Do Some Landscaping

Landscaping and summer DIY projects go hand in hand, so if you are looking for a simple way to spruce up the outside of your home this summer, you cannot go past some landscaping. If you do not have a green thumb, or are short on design inspiration, just some basic beds with mulch and a few hardy green shrubs will make a world of difference. 

We hope this article has given you some great ideas for home improvement projects for the summer. If you need help with any of your projects, the Windows on Washington team is here to help, so get in touch today.