Is Your Home Ready for Summer?
Intro
April showers bring May flowers, but June, July and August bring the heat. It is best to stay ahead of the summertime weather both indoors and outdoors. There are many short-term tasks you can accomplish to create a cooler home, but we will also explain how whole home insulation can improve drastic temperatures that happen during the summer months. Whether it is Spring or the middle of summer, these tips and tricks can still help combat the heat.
Here is how to get your home ready for the summer.
Indoor
Rotate Ceiling Fans Counterclockwise
Did you know that your ceiling fans can rotate in different directions? Ceiling fans do not function as AC units, but instead move air around, creating a wind-chill effect if done correctly. Setting your fan to move counterclockwise in the hotter seasons will create a downdraft effect that spreads cool air around. In doing this, you can set your thermostat up to 4°F with no depletion in comfort. This can help contribute to lower energy costs and increase comfort in your home.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
Ohio, among many other states, can get very humid in the summertime. Reaching upwards of 70% humidity or more in the air! This humidity can leave you and your home feeling sticky and stuffy even when indoors. Purchasing a dehumidifier can help you breathe better, prevent mold growth, and help you use your AC unit less. Toxins that are hidden inside your home from things like paint, wood products and carpets can be released if the indoor air is too humid. A dehumidifier can manage and reduce the risk of exposure. In addition, this helpful tool can prevent mold by getting rid of excess moisture in your home. Finally, a dehumidifier can save you on your energy bills by putting less pressure and run time on your AC unit and saving you upwards of 8.2% over the course of a year according to the Department of Energy.
Outdoor
Check on HVAC System and Replace Filters
Prepping your home for the summer means checking and changing necessary parts of your HVAC system. Start with changing all old filters and test run your AC system before extreme heat. If any problems arise or you would like a deeper analysis of your system, you should call a technician to take a look. They can assess any urgent or necessary issues that they recommend.
Seal Windows and Doors
Humidity and hot air from outside can creep in through the cracks of your windows and doors, leaving you uncomfortable and your energy bills rising. You should check all windows and doors, noting any drafts or wear and tear on weatherstripping. Replace weatherstripping on all exterior doors to help keep wind drafts and air out. Caulking windows can also be a temporary or quick fix on drafty windows. While checking the sealing of all windows and doors, spray pest repellent on the outside perimeter to help keep bugs away from getting indoors.
Whole Home Insulation: A Long-Term Solution
Seasonal maintenance on your home can definitely be a preventive measure in keeping costs down and the air cool, but wouldn’t you want that control all year long?
Attic insulation is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reduce energy loss - and save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs! Primary Home Improvement uses premium fiberglass insulation, and it will not change from its intended R-value over its lifetime or settle in your attic. Premium fiberglass insulation is resistant to moisture, fungus, and mold growth. This means that the R-value will not change or sag, preserving thermal performance over time.
Our Exclusive RetroFoam injection foam insulation is added to the existing walls of your home without the mess of a remodel. It can be used on multiple wall types and has many benefits such as: a 30% higher R-value than traditional insulation, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, class 1 fire rated and has sound deadening affects. Even though RetroFoam has been around for more than 35 years, it is a cutting-edge and a more effective insulation solution because of how well the foam air seals in wall cavities.
Whole home insulation can take some of the temporary and seasonal tasks off your plate by providing a long-term solution to drafts, AC usage and energy costs. Leaving you and your family more comfortable during the summer and winter months.
Begin your Insulation Project with a Free Estimate
Primary Home Improvements can help kick-start your home insulation project.
If you live in Northeast Ohio, call 440-610-4792 or go to request a free estimate appointment for a detailed quote and advice from our Energy Consultants.