Summer is perhaps the best time of year to get home improvements done around the house, especially if they benefit you the entire year.

Ahhhh, summer. Time for lazy backyard BBQs, watching the kids blow off some steam from the front porch and teaching the little fellas how to hit a curve ball.

And with summer winding down, here are 4 late summer home improvement ideas in and around the house that can keep you safe, comfortable and save you energy and money throughout the year.

Seal ventilation leaks: Houses with leaks and gaps are harder to keep cool than those that are tightly constructed. The hot summer air seeps in while the cool air conditioning rushes out. Discover where you have leaks in the home (the most common spots are around the doors, windows and garage) and seal those leaks.

Improve IAQ: IAQ stands for indoor air quality. And this can be the difference between a healthy household and one that has danger lurking in the air. Recovery ventilators and air exchangers (like Broan‘s AE60 air exchanger) are roughly the same size as an air conditioner and offer constant filtration, humidity control and general home ventilation. This is a great solution for homes with serious ventilation needs.

Outdoor lighting can provide increased security, as well as add instant curb appeal.

Outdoor lighting: Since we tend to stay outdoors longer during the summer, providing proper lighting can make walking safer, add a layer of security and highlight your landscaping. Outdoor wall sconces, chandeliers, pendants, and path and post lights can prolong the life of your outdoor party and instantly add to your home’s curb appeal.

Benefits of clean ventilation: Many ducts and vents sit idle during the spring. Come summer, though, we expect them to crank out some sweet, soothing air conditioning. Optimizing your A/C and make sure it’s running smoothly by hiring a company that specializes in duct cleaning. This can be a timely investment, too, with energy costs skyrocketing during the peak usage months of summer.

These late summer home improvement tips take a bit of planning, are easy to do and can pay off handsomely down the road. Knock ‘em out quickly so you can get back to doing the things you love to do.

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