At the beginning of March every year, daylight savings time starts all over Louisville – and by November, it ends. Between this duration, summer sets in gradually, and before you know it the weather becomes really hot. But you don’t have to wait until that time to start preparing for summer and getting your home ready.
According to a report by Times, over 2,000 people die every year from illnesses related to weather changes. This goes to show that planning ahead can be a major preventive measure, and what better way to plan than to conduct checks and carry out installations or repairs on your premises?
Inasmuch as you would like to consume some cold drinks, have cool showers, go swimming and wear light clothing, you need to also ensure that you are comfortable when you are at home – especially if you have family there with you. Here are 5 cool ways to get your house ready for the summer.
1. Change Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat has been set to keep your home warm all through the winter. It’s about time you switch it to “cool.” Carry out a test run to know if it works. Turn the temperature down and leave it for a while (20 minutes to an hour) to be sure. If the conditioner doesn’t come on, check the breakers to make sure they aren’t faulty. You can also turn it off and on a few more times and if the problems persist regardless, get an air conditioning repair and service company to take a look at it.
It’s also wise that you carry out these tests and checks long before the summer draws closer – perhaps between October and February. This prevents you from sounding “stranded” – as repair companies could take advantage of that and charge you higher. On the other hand, service, repair, and installation will be more costly during summer. Therefore, you need to call early if you intend to save.
However, if the thermostat comes on without any hiccups, ensure that it’s cooling correctly. If it takes a very long time to cool, perhaps it needs servicing. The repair company can also have technicians come over to your house and get it fixed.
2. Replace Old Conditioners
If you are making use of an old model thermostat, you can install one that can easily be programmed. Not only is it easy to operate, it could also save you more than $100 annually on energy bills. Since the cost of paying for electricity keeps rising, you need to find ways to minimize usage – this is one method.
There are some conditioners that use a mercury switch. This toxic silvery material is harmful to the health and the environment. It’s usually found in old models of many appliances. Tell your installer to place a new conditioner in your home, and assist you in the disposal of the mercury.
It’s advisable to call for installations before the summer heat sets in. Asides the cost of getting the replacements done, the installers could also be very busy during that period. You wouldn’t want to wilt while you wait for them to finish the works of those who booked them before you. Even if you can wait and afford to pay whatever price you are charged, they might not be patient enough to look into other things in your home that need to be fixed. So the earlier, the better.
3. Install Fans
You should think about saving costs by getting ceiling fans and whole-house fans installed in your home. A whole house fan, for example, can flush out the hot and bad air in the attic, corners of the house, and other hidden areas. As fresh air enters in the evening and night, it circulates it around the home, making everywhere cool.
Other types of fans can save you money on energy costs as they serve as an alternative to air conditioning systems. Besides, the cost of maintaining a fan is also less than that of a heating or cooling system. For as low as $30 you can get a ceiling fan, whereas you would spend over 10 times the same amount to purchase an air conditioning system.
4. Check for Leaks
Test the air ducts in your home. If you notice any leaks, seal them properly. There’s also a possibility that the insulation used in your attic might have contracted and left an open space. You will have to fortify it with an extra 6 inches or more. Walk around the house and check the doors and windows. The frames and siding should be well-checked as well. Clear them properly and clear the areas around them.
If the windows and doors need weather stripping, insulation glazing, or caulking, get in touch with professionals to do them. By the way, have you heard of solar window film? Ask your repairer or installer about them. These installations help keep cool air retained in your premises and hot air out.
Take a look at your thermostat and change the filters. In fact, it’s essential to replace them at least once a month. If the condenser unit of your heating and cooling system has been covered all along, you can take away the covering. The condenser unit is usually placed outside. Open it and get the coils cleaned adequately to allow a free flow of fresh air. Ensure that there is nothing obstructing the air from flowing in.
5. Total Maintenance
Finally, carry out a total service and maintenance of all the entry points of your home. Think of smart doors. They can be programmed to stay open or locked as the case may be. These connecting doors are basically operated with switches or remotes.
You should also clear tall trees and grasses surrounding your yard. If there are items you placed at strategic points to keep your house warm in winter, it’s time you took them off.
Finally, listen to weather updates and keep yourself in the know for any hurricane warnings and other information that can help you stay well-prepared for the season.
