Sizzle-Proof Your Space: Prepare Your Home for Texas Summer

Summer is here fellow Texans, and with the sweltering heat and the blazing sun beating down 24/7, sometimes you need a little more than a powerful A/C system to keep you from a Wicked Witch of the West melting incident.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or a recent transplant, you know that prepping your home for summer in the Lone Star State is a must. But don’t you worry! Chrissy the #DentonRealtor is here to guide you through the process of transforming your home into a sizzle-proof sanctuary.

So grab your cowboy hat, pour yourself a tall glass of sweet tea, and get ready to learn how to create a comfortable and enjoyable living space that can withstand the Texas summer heat!

Keepin’ It Breezy Indoors

With how hot it gets around here, your A/C system can get overloaded, and not all areas of your home are created equal — sometimes there’s a room that just doesn’t cool right, and in those cases, you gotta bring in the big guns.

Ceiling Fans

When it comes to keeping your home cool during the Texas summer, don't underestimate the power of a good ceiling fan!

Ceiling fans circulate the cool air generated by your air conditioning system, making your home feel more comfortable (especially in those rooms that are always too hot for no apparent reason).

This also allows you to raise your thermostat by a few degrees, which can help save on the crazy energy costs we always see during the summer.

Portable Fans and Evaporative Coolers

Portable fans can be strategically placed throughout your home to increase airflow and cool specific areas. Evaporative coolers use water to lower the air temperature, making them an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning.

And for those really hot rooms? It sure doesn’t hurt to have a portable air conditioner on hand. If you’ve got an older A/C system that can’t quite take the heat, a portable unit might be the only thing keeping your whole family from sweating up a storm.

Dehumidifiers

Humidity can make hot temperatures feel even more unbearable, which is why it's essential to keep your home's humidity levels in check during the summer months.

A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air and makes your home feel more comfortable, even during the hottest days of the year.

Creating a Summer Oasis Outside

You can’t spend the whole summer cooped up inside, now can you?!

When the temperatures aren’t quite in the hundreds, you can make the outdoors bearable so you can enjoy the sunlight and not feel like a goblin living in a cave.

Shade Solutions

One of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor living space during the hot Texas summers is by throwing some shade.

Whether it's a pergola, a retractable awning, or a simple patio umbrella, having a shaded area where you can escape the heat is the only way to go.

Outdoor Fans and Misting Systems

Now that you’ve got a little shade, it’s time to make those shaded spaces actually livable.

Outdoor fans are a must, and a misting system can help lower the temperature and make your outdoor area more inviting, even during the hottest days of the summer.

Ponds and Pools

You might not know it, but having a large-ish body of water in your backyard can actually transform the climate in your little piece of heaven. In fact, a pool can lower the temperature of your backyard by as much as 10 degrees.

Energy Efficiency Is King

Don’t put the burden of cooling your home entirely on your A/C unit. If it dies in the middle of summer, you’re going to be sweating up a storm trying to fix it. Here are a few things you can do to keep temperatures down without taxing your system.

Insulation and Sealing

One of the most effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency is through insulation and sealing.

First, check your attic, walls, and crawlspaces for any gaps or cracks that may be allowing hot air to enter your home. By sealing these areas, you can significantly reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, saving you money on your energy bills and prolonging the life of your A/C system.

Next, look into getting some better insulation in your home. There are tons of different types on the market, so even if you already have good insulation, it’s possible to get something better that will have a huge impact on your bill at the end of the month.

Window Treatments

Another way to improve your home's energy efficiency is by investing in energy-efficient window treatments.

Since homes in Texas get so much direct sunlight throughout the year, having the right type of window coverings can make a considerable difference in your home's temperature and energy usage.

Check out solar screens, shades, or blinds — if the heat never gets in, your A/C doesn’t have to fight it off!

Smart Thermostats

Every gadget on the market seems to be smart these days, but smart thermostats have been around for a long time, and they’re great at keeping your A/C working just as hard as it needs to (and not even a tiny bit harder).

Spending a few minutes programming your thermostat and then letting the thermostat learn on its own when it should increase or decrease the A/C ensures your home stays cool at a lower cost.

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Get to Know Chrissy the #DentonRealtor

Chrissy Mallouf has lived in the Denton community for over 32 years and has become an integral part of Denton’s fabric. Chrissy obtained her real estate license in 2008 after spending over 16 years in the banking industry in roles ranging from consumer banking, commercial banking, and director of sales.

She was recognized as the #1 buyer’s agent at Keller Williams Realty Denton in 2015, 2016, and 2017, has won the Denton Record Chronicles’ Best of Denton for the past 6 years, and was awarded Best of Denton County in 2017 and 2019. Chrissy is extremely passionate about mentoring and helping others achieve things they did not think were possible.

In 2001, she was voted one of Denton’s most influential people. Chrissy graduated from the Texas Association of Realtors Leadership Program and serves on the 2020 Greater Denton/Wise County Association of Realtors Board of Directors. 

She is married to John Mallouf and has two beautiful children, Madison and Holden. Chrissy loves to spend time traveling with her family and making memories, supporting her kiddos in their various activities, volunteering, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

When she’s not being a super mom or a top-producing realtor, you will find Chrissy giving back to the community by serving on several non-profit boards. She serves on the Denton Parks Foundation Board, is involved in Denton ISD, is a member of the Denton Benefit League, and supports major community events like Denton Holiday Lighting, Kiwanis Fireworks Show, and Arts & Jazz.

She is a member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council.

She is your #DentonRealtor!