April 10, 2018
Summer’s coming fast, and along with laid-back summer fun will come uncomfortably warm weather and a whole host of outdoor allergens that can put a damper on things. You can’t do much about the weather, but a few key upgrades to your house in the Chesapeake area that can help you and your family have a more comfortable and healthy summer at home.
Repair or Upgrade Your Air Conditioning
It’s a good idea to check your AC unit before you need it, so you’re not caught without air conditioning when the hottest days of the year roll around.
Is your AC unit making strange sounds when it runs?
Other than the sound you might expect when turning on any unit, such as a low hum, your AC unit shouldn’t make a lot of noise. Banging, squealing, flapping, whistling, tapping and buzzing are all signs that something is broken, loose or otherwise not operating correctly and should all be looked into.
Were your fuel bills high last summer?
If your AC unit isn’t running smoothly, then it is running harder and more often than it should be. This causes it to use more energy and to jack up your energy bills in the process. It also interferes with the unit’s ability to properly cool your living spaces.
Has it had regular maintenance?
If your unit has had regular maintenance, then it should be running quietly and efficiently. If it has not, it’s a very good idea to sign up for a maintenance plan, which will ensure your unit continues to run effectively and minimize the need for repairs.
Check Your Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is a key player in home comfort both in the winter and in summer.
Did you feel drafts over the winter?
Drafts are a sure sign of a poorly air sealed and insulated attic. It means that air is escaping out through your roof and outdoor air is being pulled in to replace it. That escaping air translates into escaping energy, and it will keep you feeling cold in winter and hot in summer.
Is your HVAC system running constantly?
Without proper insulation in your attic, your heating and air conditioning systems work constantly in an effort to hold the temperatures you’ve set on the thermostat. This wastes energy and money.
Are your energy bills higher than they should be?
With air escaping and heat entering, your HVAC system will run constantly, so it’s no wonder that your energy bills will be high. An insulation upgrade will increase comfort and result in more reasonable utility bills.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
It’s easy to forget about the air you breathe in your home. But since people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, and pollutants can build up to be worse indoors than outdoors, it’s critical to pay attention to conditions in your house that contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Have you noticed any strange odors?
Any uncontrolled moisture in your home can cause mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are not only ugly and smelly — they will also ruin your belongings and rot the wood in your home. Worse yet, mold releases spores which are toxic and can cause serious illness.
Have family allergies been kicking up?
Have you or other family members been experiencing fatigue, headaches, itchy throats, coughing, and other discomforts? These can be caused by pollen and other pollutants that have gathered and circulate in your home.
Have you changed your HVAC air filters lately?
Clogged filters won’t keep dirt, debris, dust mites, pet dander and other allergens from circulating through your home, over and over. Check and change your filters regularly to keep the air you breathe as clean and healthy as possible. Consider installing an air purification system to trap pollutants.
Enjoy a Comfortable Summer with Help from Russell’s
Russell’s Heating & Cooling has been serving Virginia and North Carolina for over 40 years, helping customers live more healthy and comfortable lives through home energy improvements. We have the knowledge and expertise to thoroughly evaluate your home’s energy consumption and guide you toward the best solutions for you and your family.
