Hot weather is approaching. To minimize the chances of HVAC system failure and/or high utility bills, here are some tips from Energy Master Home, Inc. to get your house ready for the summer.
1. Have your Air Condidtioning System properly inspected and serviced. Remove blower dirt from coils and wheels that may cause inefficiencies. Have a professional the refrigerant charge among other things a professional can inspect for you. Be home when the air conditioning professional arrives. Ask questions and watch them as they work. Look back at past services and compare invoices to ensure you are being billed correctly.
2. Crawlspace Encapsulation. When hot air and cold air meet, this creates high moisture conditions.
3. Check Air infilatration. Inspeact your home for cracks and air leaks. If you have a fireplace, it's time to shut the damper off and ensure it is not leaking and is properly sealed.
4. Check Attic Insulation. Visually inspect to ensure ceiling joist are not visible. If it looks too fluffy, it may not be dense enough to properly insulate.
5. Inspect Knee Walls. These are the shorter walls often found in bonus rooms and attic rooms that are often unfinished. Inspect doors leading into attic for proper seals.
And we have to go ahead and throw in an extra Tip. It doesn't require great handyman skills and is a basic first step to reducing your home energy bills.
6. Light bulbs. Simply do not use incandescent light bulbs that generate heat and consume energy. If you are set on using them, a 100watt bulb is actually more efficient than a 40 watt. Replace incandescent bulbs with newer energy efficient bulbs.
There are many things you can do to get your home ready for the summer utility spike. Tune in to our radio show every Saturday at 8:00am on KARN News Radio and feel free to call in and ask questions about your hom's energy efficiency.