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5 ways to get your home ready for summer

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Signs of summer are finally here and Aussies are welcoming the warmer weather, but just how well-equipped is your home?

Sponsored by humm, the bigger buy now pay later. humm offers limits of up to $30,000 and a big time to pay down purchases, from 5 fortnights to 5 years, always interest free. Learn more.

The run-up to summer is always exciting. We might splurge on a new wardrobe, book weekend trips away, or even start thinking forward to Christmas. There's lots to be done.

But just how much attention goes into getting your home ready for summer? Our homes not only shelter us from summer's heat and heavy storms, they're also a place for entertaining our nearest and dearest – especially come Christmas time.

So what can be done to better prep your home for summer? We've partnered with buy now pay later provider humm to bring you a few ideas.

Install aircon

If you own your own home, installing an air conditioning unit is a game changer. Not only can they make your house more comfortable and help you sleep better, but some models even improve the air quality within your home.

Yes, they do come with an upfront cost and can increase your energy bills, but installing an economical model can keep ongoing costs modest. Plus, there are ways to make installation more affordable, including personal loans or buy now pay later providers.

For example, over 100 different aircon retailers accept payment via buy now pay later provider humm, which lets customers spend up to $30,000 and then spread that cost over as many as 60 months. There's no interest charged on your purchase, but there may be some fees.

If you financed a new $5,000 aircon system with humm and then spread that cost over 36 months, you'd only be paying $32 a week for your fancy new aircon – including fees. Not bad.
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Add solar panels

If you'd prefer to cut your regular energy bills rather than increase them, it might be time to think about installing solar panels. Not only can they reduce your regular outgoings, some people can even earn money from the excess energy their panels generate and put back into the grid.

Yes, there's an upfront cost to installing solar panels, but they usually pay themselves off within a matter of years, so it's typically a worthwhile investment. Plus, there may be government programs or subsidies available in your area that can make them more affordable.



Redo roofing or waterproofing

Unfortunately, La Niña may be set to return this spring and summer. If it does, we could be looking at a few wet weeks. If you haven't done it for a while, now could be a time to investigate the condition of your roofing and waterproofing.

Again, while it can be a big upfront cost, doing so could end up saving you money in the long run. Did you know home insurance policies typically won't pay out for damage that was caused by a poorly-maintained roof?

Two men work on fixing a roof together.

Upgrade your outdoor area

Whether it's entertaining friends or just relaxing with a book, your outdoor space becomes an extension of your home in summer and can feel like a whole extra room. So invest in it.

Lush landscaping can bring an oasis into your backyard and a covered entertainment area could help you make the most of your space, regardless of weather.

Plus, clever outdoor upgrades can even make your home more appealing if you ever want to sell and can potentially even add value.



Add shutters, shades or blinds

On top of providing privacy, shutters, shades and blinds can be incredibly effective at keeping the heat out of your home during summer months without increasing your electricity bills.

Installed right, they can make both indoor and outdoor areas far more comfortable during peak times of heat. Plus, many shutter and blind companies now accept buy now pay later, making installation more affordable.

For example, over 50 blinds, shutters and shade companies currently accept financing through buy now pay later provider humm.

Name Product Interest rate (p.a.) Min. loan amount Max. loan amount Establishment Fee Credit Check Required?
humm  ($1 - $1,999)
0%
$1
$1,999
$0 (Up to $90 on bigger purchases)
No
humm ($2,000 - $30,000)
0%
$2,000
$30,000
$90 ($35 to $90 only applicable when applying for over $2,000.)
Yes
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Compare other Buy Now Pay Later providers here

Disclaimer: This is general advice only. Consider the product information (including its terms and conditions) and your own circumstances before you make any decision about the topics or products discussed. Compare your options and get advice if you are uncertain. Hive Empire Pty Ltd ACL 385509; CAR 432664.
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