Prepare to beat the summer heat

After one of the wettest and coldest winters South Africa has experienced recently, the hot summer months are now well on their way. And to help homeowners survive the coming heatwaves, there are a few home alterations that can be undertaken to prepare for the coming summer months.

Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett suggests rather than only improving the overall comfort of the home, upgrading the home’s heating and cooling solutions is also a great way to add value.

“Installing an air-conditioning unit or having proper insulation installed in your ceiling can be some of the most effective ways of keeping your home cool during the summer months.

“Yes, these options are more expensive than purchasing a R100 fan at your local supermarket, but these purchases will not be money wasted. Unlike most cheaper options, these solutions will make a noticeable difference in the temperature of your home, as well as increase the resale value of your property should you ever decide to sell,” Goslett explained.

Replacing wooden window and door frames with aluminium frames can also help with the home’s insulation. Although these can be expensive to replace, adding new window and door frames to a home can greatly improve the home’s overall appeal to future buyers and might make it easier to secure a quick sale.

However, for those with a limited budget to spare, there are other ways to help keep your home cool this summer.

RE/MAX shares some pocket-friendly solutions for beating the heat this coming summer:

– Purchase a few quick-fix solutions, such as portable fans and block-out curtains.

– For the rooms that receive the most direct sunlight, plant trees or shrubs outside of the windows to create some extra shade.

– Swap out bedding for summer sheets and more breathable materials.

– Install a ceiling fan – it is a cheaper solution than aircon and can offer better airflow than a freestanding fan.

– Prepare for the possibility of load-shedding. Hot summer nights can be very long without a fan. Consider battery-powered options or purchase a UPS that the fan can be plugged into.

– As a final piece of advice, Goslett encourages homeowners to find eco-friendly ways to cool down their homes this summer by relying less on electricity-driven cooling solutions.

“Upgrading a home’s insulation is probably one of the best ways to create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home during the summer months, while also reducing your energy bills and environmental impact,” he concluded.

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