It takes a lot of money to keep your home cool during the hot summer months. If you use an air conditioning system to do so, it’s likely that you’re spending $100 or more every month (and that’s being generous). So, the last thing you want to find is that your home is losing cool air. If that’s happening, you’re not getting the most bang for your buck.
Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to pinpoint where your home is losing cool air. From there, you can make the repairs necessary to put an end to the problem once and for all. With that in mind, let’s start with a list of areas you can inspect on the exterior of your home:
- Outdoor water faucets
- All corners
- Where the siding comes in contact with the chimney
- Where the foundation and the bottom of the exterior material (such as brick or stone) meet
For example, as you inspect water faucets, you may find that they’re not as tight to the house as they once were. As a result, cool air is leaking out and warm air is getting in. A bit of caulking can help remedy this concern. Once your exterior inspection is complete, turn your attention to the inside of your home. This is where you’re likely to find the most issues. Start with this checklist:
- Doors and windows
- Electrical switch plates and outlets
- Anywhere water, cable, gas and electrical service enters your home
- Baseboards
- Attics, basements, and crawl spaces
- Fireplace
- Vents and fans
- Dryer vent
- Wall or window mounted AC units
Some of these issues are easier to address than others. For example, if you find that your attic isn’t as energy efficient as you thought, you can add insulation to help protect against this.
Is it Really that Big of a Deal?
In short, the answer is yes. You don’t have to tackle these repairs, but it would be in your best interest to do so. When your home loses cool air, it puts more strain on your cooling system. So, you’re more likely to need a repair. Not to mention the fact that the more your system runs, the more it’ll cost you. Here’s something else to consider: the areas where your home loses cool air can also let in critters and insects.
Rather than worry about this all summer long, pinpoint where your home is losing cool air and then take action. You may find that you can remedy the majority (if not all) of the culprits on your own.
Do you have Questions or Concerns?
If so, you should never feel that you’re on your own. Contact us for professional guidance and advice on what to do next. When you schedule an appointment with one of our service techs, you can be rest assured that you’re in good hands. We’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible.
Categories:
DIY Air Conditioning
