Mississippi is known for their comfortable winters – it rarely gets below 25 degrees and there’s usually not a lot of snowfall. In fact, the average temperature during the winter is around 45 F degrees. Compared to most other states, that’s a winter in paradise and something they long for.
With that said, the summers in Mississippi aren’t as gracious. The average temperature during the summer months is 79.5 F degrees, making Mississippi the fifth hottest state in the United States. You can expect between 60 and 80 days per year above 90 F degrees, which is a lot.
Are You Prepared to Protect Your Home This Summer?
The summers in Mississippi can be brutal for those that don’t like high temperatures and high humidity, especially if you don’t prepare yourself – as well as prepare your home. The summer heat presents a wide range of obstacles and challenges for homeowners in the Mississippi area.
Don’t worry, we understand how tough the warmer months can be on you and your home. That’s why we’re going to share with you some of our most prominent tips when protecting your home from the summer heat. Temperatures are already rising, so don’t wait to take action!
Get Your Air Conditioning Unit Inspected
Every year, preferably before the summer months arrive, you should be getting your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit inspected by a professional. It’s important that your HVAC unit is working properly, efficiently, and as-intended. If not, you could see your utility bill increase this summer – which is something every Mississippi homebuyer wants to avoid!
Set Your Thermostat at a Reasonable Temperature
We all have a certain temperature that we set our thermostat at during the summer months. Find that temperature that works for you – and your budget – and stick with it. Let’s say you set your thermostat at 76 F degrees, every degree you go down will increase your utility bill by roughly 3%. If you lower it to 73 F degrees, your bill will increase roughly 9-10%.
Program Your Thermostat to Shut Off When Not at Home
Many modern thermostats today have the capability of being programmed to turn on and off at certain times of the day. If you spend most of your day outside, at work, or at school, program your thermostat to turn off (or increase the temperature) when you leave the home, and turn on (or lower the temperature) when you return home. This also comes in handy when on summer vacation.
If You Don’t Have Fans in the House, Invest in Some
Fans can be a lifesaver during the summer months – oscillating fans, ceiling fans, stationary fans, it doesn’t matter! They not only help circulate cool air, but they increase the comfortability of a room and help cool the room without using as much energy. There’s nothing better than walking inside to cool air blowing in your face after being out in the hot sun for hours.
Close A/C Vents When Not Using a Room
Saving on energy costs is often the biggest obstacle for homeowners in Mississippi, especially during the summer. One way you can do that is by closing the A/C vents in rooms that aren’t being used. If they’re easy to reach, then you should get in the habit of closing them and then opening them when you need them. Remember, every little bit helps when saving energy.
Close Your Blinds & Curtains to Keep Sun Out
Another small, yet valuable thing you can do this summer is keep your blinds and curtains closed when the sun is out. By doing this, you limit the amount of sun and heat that enters the home. At the same time, you’re keeping the cool air in – which is the ultimate goal. It’ll make it feel colder, it’ll lower the temperature in the room, and it’ll reduce your need for air conditioning.
Seal Any Cracks in Your Doors & Windows
This is something many people don’t think of when summertime rolls around, but it’s something everyone should be concerned about – especially if you live in an older home or one that hasn’t been renovated recently. Any cracks in the doors or windows will let hot air in the home. By sealing these cracks up, you limit the hot air coming in, while keeping the cool air inside.
Get Yourself a Pool for Those Hot Days
When the temperature rises and the humidity starts to kick in, there’s nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool. It can cool you off in an instant and bring a smile to anyone’s face – no matter how sweaty it was before. Even if you can’t afford an underground pool, you can invest in a blow-up or even a make-shift, homemade pool. There are a ton of options!
Replace the Air Filters to Your HVAC System
This is a step that will likely be completed by your HVAC inspector, but it’s always best to replace the filters every couple of months – six months at the latest. It’s not only necessary to ensure the unit is running properly, but it keeps the air in the home safe and healthy. This is especially true during the summer months, which is when the filters get used more often.
Make Sure You Have an Ice Maker Nearby
Whether it’s a built-in feature in your refrigerator, an ice tray that sits in the freezer, or an ice maker machine that sits on the counter, it’s always nice to have some ice handy when the heat overstays its welcome. There’s nothing more refreshing than an ice cold glass of water, lemonade, or iced tea during the summer months – but you’ll need some ice for that!
Are You Looking to Sell Your Home This Summer?
Are you getting a little tired of the Mississippi summers? Are you looking to sell your home fast so you can move to a city or state that’s a little cooler during the summer? Don’t worry, we completely understand and are ready to send you a cash offer for your home whenever you’re ready! Contact us today to learn more!
