While summer is the time for you and your family to have fun activities inside and outside, air conditioning systems offer a cool sanctuary on scorching days, especially when the temperature becomes unbearably high.
However, if your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home or you’re shocked by high utility bills, it’s time to take action. Whether you need to seal gaps in your windows or doors, repair your air ducts, or replace your insulation, there are multiple solutions to try that can save you money each month and allow you to relax indoors.
Consider the following tips to prevent cool air from escaping your home.
1. Ensure Insulation Is Properly Installed
Home insulation serves as more than just a way to stay warm during the cold winter; it also offers a shield against the heat during the summer. Proper insulation keeps indoor temperatures stable, no matter what the weather is outside.
To keep your home comfortable during the entire year, make sure to properly insulate your attic, walls, and floors. Not only does this enhance your comfort and prevent cooled air from escaping the house, but it can also lower your monthly energy bills.
Based on a study conducted by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), roughly 90 percent of existing U.S. single-family homes are under-insulated. Given this statistic, it’s unwise to assume that your home is adequately insulated, and you should take proactive measures to protect your home.
Installing insulation on your end can be challenging and pose safety concerns. If you’re worried about the effectiveness of your home’s insulation, it’s best to call a professional. This is the best way to ensure comfort in your home, as well as monthly savings in utility costs.
2. Seal Air Leaks With Weatherstrips and Caulk
Weatherstripping around doors and caulking around windows are great ways to prevent air leaks and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. These simple and inexpensive measures play a significant role in conserving energy and enhancing your AC’s efficiency.
According to the Department of Energy, around 20 to 40 percent of your energy costs are attributed to air escaping your home. Drafty windows and doors are major culprits in this fact. The air that you lose through your windows and doors is the same as if you left a window open through the winter season.
Effective weatherstripping not only protects your home from drafts but also significantly improves your comfort. In addition to energy savings, there are many other benefits to weatherstripping and caulking, including:
- Consistent room temperatures
- Minimized strain on heating and cooling systems
- Blocked external noise and pollutants
- Extended lifespan of windows and doors
- More sustainable living environment
To further reinforce your home’s energy efficiency, consider investing in energy-rated windows and doors. These specially designed fixtures effectively block excessive heat from entering your home, thus alleviating the strain on your air conditioning system and preventing it from overexerting itself.
Incorporating weatherstripping, caulking, and energy-efficient windows and doors creates a more pleasant and sustainable living environment for you and your family.
3. Repair Leaks Within Your Ductwork
Faulty ductwork can contribute to the inefficiency of your air conditioning system and create poor indoor air quality. When your air ducts have leaks, are loose, or become disconnected, they will affect the flow of cool air.
To address this, start by examining each vent to ensure that the cool air is circulating throughout the entire ventilation system. If not, you may need to seal a leak. Do not rely on duct tape as a solution, as it will become loose over time; instead, opt for more suitable options, like mastic or foil tape. These materials are specifically designed to seal air ducts and provide a long-lasting, effective solution.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your ductwork or suspect underlying issues, it’s advisable to enlist the expertise of a professional. An experienced HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your ductwork, identifying any areas that may require repair.
By addressing ductwork issues, you can ensure that your heating and cooling systems operate optimally, keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
No matter what issues you are facing, turn to the experienced HVAC technicians at Home Comfort Experts in Indiana and Michigan. Contact us today or call us at our main office at (574) 475-3237 to schedule an appointment with our team.