With the hottest months of the year just around the corner, you should be on the lookout for new ways to combat high temperatures inside your home. While a high-quality HVAC system is going to be your first line of defense against the heat, you will need to consider carrying out a few projects if you want to make sure that your energy bills don’t skyrocket this summer.
Start With the Insulation
Even though fiberglass insulation often lasts for multiple decades, those rolls and batts can become damaged at any time. When the insulation is torn or matted, all of the cool air that your HVAC system blows into your home is going to escape. Ripping up the old insulation can be a major project, and that is why many homeowners simply add blow-in insulation to their attics and crawlspaces. That cellulose will further insulate your home and fill in any gaps in the current insulation.
Close All Gaps and Seal Openings
After the last frost of the year, you might crack your windows and doors to let in the fresh spring air. Those openings shouldn’t be problematic while the weather is still nice, but you need to make sure that your home is properly sealed before the first heat wave. In addition to closing up unused exterior vents, you should also make sure that you seal up gaps and pinholes. Those openings are generally found around exterior pipes, exhaust vents, doors, and windowsills. For exterior openings, you should use all-purpose silicone sealant. Simple air conditioning maintenance like this can help keep your home cool.
Use Fans and Windows to Your Advantage
Even when it is relatively warm outside, you might be able to use your windows to your advantage. When you first wake up in the morning, you can crack windows on opposite sides of your home to get a cool breeze. Before the sunlight hits those windows, you need to close them up and pull the curtains. You can also change the direction of your ceiling fans so that they redistribute the cold air that is pooling near the floors.
If you have carried out these projects and are still struggling with high indoor temperatures, then you might want to hire a contractor to carry out a blower test. During one of those tests, the contractor will use a large fan to depressurize your home. After the pressure has dropped, they will go through your home and look for air leaks around ducts, vents, doors, windows, and pipes.
