Temperatures are beginning to climb and it’s time to get your house ready for the warm weather ahead. Checking your house before summer comes can help keep you cool, and can save you money as well! Learn what to do to prepare your home for the heat.
Get Your Air Conditioner Ready
You’ll soon be reaching for the thermostat, so you should take steps to get your air conditioning ready before you need it. Inspecting your air conditioning system before the summer weather comes can help uncover any problems before you’re dealing with the heat and your repair service is busy. In your inspection, be sure to:
- Uncover your condenser unit, and wash off any dust
- Clean or replace filters
- Test if your air conditioner cools your home
- Check your thermostat settings and ensure they still meet your needs
If there is a problem with your system, it is time to call a repair service. They can test your system and air ducts for leaks and blockages.
Check Your Home’s Insulation
The insulation in your attic can compact over time, meaning it may leave gaps where warm air can filter in to your home. Check the insulation in your attic for openings, and fill these as needed. If you need to fix a large amount of insulation, you may wish to call a professional to re-insulate your house, as it can get messy. While you’re in the attic, inspect vents and ducts as well. If you find they are leaking, you can seal them with expanding foam. Make sure your vents aren’t blocked, so they can let hot air out of your attic and prevent it from warming your house.
Protect Your Windows and Doors
Examine your windows and exterior doors for leaks where cool air may be escaping. You can seal these with caulk and weather-stripping. Windows that have lots of exposure to the sun can also warm your home. You may consider investing in awnings to shade these windows, or installing blinds, light blocking curtains, or reflective film.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans keep air moving around your home, but the way they function should change with the season. When you are heating your home, a ceiling fan should be set to rotate clockwise, which allows it to distribute the warm air that rises to the ceiling. During the summer months, however, it should be set to spin counter-clockwise, which will create a pleasant breeze. Your fan can be changed by flipping the small switch located near the base.
Prepare for summer and keep your wallet happy with Summers™ Plumbing Heating & Cooling. We have been serving residents of Indiana since 1969 with our fully trained and licensed plumbing, heating, and cooling professionals. We are available 24/7 for emergency calls to fix your sudden issues, and we are dedicated to your satisfaction.
If you need help preparing your air conditioning for the warm weather, contact Summers™ Plumbing Heating & Cooling today!
