Keep Your Home Cool
Some homeowners avoid inspecting their roofs and siding until a major problem arises, like water stains inside or other visible signs of damage. During the hot days of summer, however, minor damage to a home’s exterior can make energy efficiency hit rock bottom. Try some of these tips for improving your home’s cooling capabilities:
Schedule an inspection
Spring is a great time to contact your local contractor for an exterior home inspection. Many people have their homes inspected before making a purchasing decision, but it’s also important to have a yearly home inspection to alert homeowners to problems with insulation, siding, and roofing. Minor damage outside the home can make a big difference in cooling the interior. Top Quality Contractors, Inc. can catch existing and potential problems early with a 17-point inspection, saving you money over time. Contact us today for more information.
Improve your insulation
Homes built 10 to 15 years ago may not have been constructed with efficiency in mind. That means that even relatively new homes could be routing the AC through the attic and around unsealed doors. Make sure your home inspection evaluates the ventilation and insulation in the attic – one of the main areas of heat escape in the home. Proper insulation will keep your home’s temperatures consistent in every room while helping you keep the thermostat set a few degrees higher, keeping your energy bills low and you cool.
Manage Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat between 60 to 67 degrees at night. Sleep specialists recommend a cool room for optimal sleeping conditions. If that’s too cold for you, bump it up until the room is just comfortable under the covers. The lingering coolness in the morning will help continue to cool the home into the day, even after you’ve raised the temperature.
Ceiling Fans
Install and turn on the fans. If you feel the air being forced down to you when you turn it on, the blades are moving in the right direction. Keep fans on throughout the days and nights to improve circulation and cooling.
For more information about exterior improvements to keep your home cool during the blistering heat, give the professionals at Top Quality Contractors a call.