Although southeast Michigan experiences extreme cold in winter, summer can have the opposite effect – extreme heat. With the first official day of summer just days away, it’s important to prepare your home so that even on the hottest of days, your family can enjoy a cool, comfortable home. At Haley Mechanical, we have a few tips for homeowners in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Brighton, Howell, and nearby cities.
Keep the cold air in and humidity out by filling the gaps
Caulking, additional insulation, and weather stripping can go a long way toward keeping your conditioned air inside, where it belongs. Any crack, gap, or hole is an opportunity for your cool environment to escape to the outdoors. This can mean not only an uncomfortable home but increased energy costs.
Clean the air filter
We’ve said this a million times, but it bears repeating: Clean or change your air filter often. Air can flow more freely, and your A/C system doesn’t have to work as hard, increasing its life span and again, saving on energy costs.
Shades for your home
Shades (or sunglasses) help keep bright sunlight out of your eyes – but what about the windows of your home? Sunlight streaming through windows heat up the rooms of your home. Consider solar-reflective film for windows receiving direct sunlight, or close blinds, shades, or curtains during daytime hours. This also helps lessen the load on your air conditioner.
Insulation works in both winter and summer seasons
Most people know proper attic insulation helps keep their homes warmer during cold winter months. However, adequate insulation in the attic also helps greatly reduce the amount of heat that can creep into your living spaces from the roof and attic. Improved comfort, energy savings.
Make the switch to LED or CFL light bulbs
Old time incandescent light bulbs emit a tremendous amount of heat, so what good does it do to shade your windows if you’re going to heat up your home with light bulbs? Sure, you need light when all the windows are darkened – but CFL and LED light bulbs are energy efficient and cooler, emitting far less heat than regular light bulbs.
Programmable thermostats and schedule management
Programmable thermostats are amazing and help homeowners save on energy costs by programming their systems to run less often when away from home. However, if your schedule changes constantly – for instance, you’re often traveling for two days at a time and turn your thermostat up by 20 degrees when you’re away – your cooling system will have to work overtime to cool your home upon your return. As Lennox dealers, we are happy to help you determine a schedule that will help you enjoy a comfortable, cool home while saving on energy costs.
Have your system ready to face the heat
An air conditioner that has been ‘tuned up’ by an HVAC professional is your best defense against a hot, humid, uncomfortable home and high energy bills. Our qualified air conditioning professionals will ensure your equipment has the proper refrigerant charge, and inspect your system for any necessary adjustments/repairs. You can enjoy a cool, comfortable home even on days when temperatures soar!
Stay comfortable this summer season by following the above tips, and ensuring your air conditioner operates at peak efficiency. For all of your home comfort needs count on Haley Mechanical, serving SE Michigan homeowners for more than 16 years.
