We all know what August in the desert brings forth. Extreme heat, wildfires, and the sudden arrival of monsoon storms. While it’s a month of extremes, it’s safe to say, your home needs to be ready for both sudden storms and nonstop AC demands.
A little prep now = a cooler, safer, smoother rest of summer.
A little attention now = way fewer headaches later.
Monsoons + triple-digit heat = the ultimate desert test.
Implementing these five tasks will not only help you protect your space and stay cool, but these five tasks are also here to help you avoid costly damage before the next weather event (or heatwave) rolls through.
1. Prep for Desert Storms
August monsoons come fast and hit hard, often with flash floods, high winds, and debris-laden rain. Proactive prep now helps prevent major water intrusion and erosion issues.
- Clear out gutters, downspouts, and roof drains of sand, twigs, and leaves so that water can flow freely. Blocked drainage can quickly lead to pooling, foundation damage, or roof leaks.
- Inspect all weather barriers like caulking, window seals, and rooflines. Seal hairline cracks with caulk or weatherproof tape to prevent moisture from seeping into walls, attics, or window frames during wind-driven rains.
2. Support Your AC System
Your HVAC is doing the heavy lifting this month… don’t let it struggle more than it needs to.
- Change your air filters, especially if it’s been more than 30 days or if you’ve had pets, dust storms, or wildfire smoke. Clean filters reduce strain on your system and improve cooling efficiency.
- Check your outdoor condenser unit and remove leaves, trash, or overgrown landscaping and give it two feet of clearance on all sides. This airflow buffer allows the system to release heat more effectively, keeping it from overheating or short cycling.
3. Protect Outdoor Furniture + Cushions
Sun, storms, and desert dust are tough on your patio setup. With a little effort now, you can extend the life of your outdoor pieces and keep them guest-ready.
- Bring in cushions and fabrics during peak heat hours or before a monsoon rolls through. Humidity, wind, and surprise showers can cause mildew or sun-cracked stitching overnight.
- Use protective sprays and sealants, a UV-blocking fabric guard or clear outdoor wood sealer can reduce fading, drying, and cracking across furniture, umbrellas, and deck décor.
4. Clean and Tune Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are often overlooked, but if they’re clean and balanced, they’re your best indoor allies for beating the summer heat.
- Dust each blade thoroughly, using a damp microfiber cloth to capture fine particles. Built-up dust not only affects air quality but also throws fans off balance, causing wobble or noise.
- Make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise (you should feel cool air blowing down). This setting helps circulate cold air more efficiently, reducing reliance on your AC.
5. Check Fire Safety Gear
With dry brush, electrical strain, and rising temps, fire safety is especially crucial in late summer.
- Ensure all fire extinguishers are in good working order by checking the gauge, expiration date, and placement (especially in the kitchen, garage, and outdoor grill areas).
- Test smoke and CO detectors throughout your home. Replace batteries now, and if your units are over 10 years old, it’s time to upgrade to newer models with longer battery life and better sensor technology.
While August is known to be one of the more challenging months of the year here in the desert, it’s also the best time of year to invest in real estate in the Palm Springs / Coachella Valley. Why? Not only is there less competition of other buyers, but by the time August hits, houses that are listed for sale have been on the market for quite some time. Those houses that have been on the market for quite sometime, let’s just say, by August, sellers are just ready to sell their house and move onto their next chapter.
Another reason why it’s best to invest in real estate in the desert in August is so that you can have the house go through escrow while it’s hot out and by the time season kicks off, not only are you ready to move in and get settled, but you can actually make the most of season when it arrives, including the holidays.
If you’re ready to invest in or sell real estate in the Coachella Valley, feel free to reach out! I‘d love to guide you through my signature S.O.U.L. Experience and guide you to your next chapter. In the meantime, let me know if you already implement any of these monthly tasks in the comments below! Remember, the key is to stay cool. Stay dry. Stay ready. Which one are you crossing off this weekend?
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