The summer months are approaching and while your thoughts may be on summer vacations, outdoor barbecues and lounging by the pool, it is important that you take precautions in your home to make sure your summer goes as smoothly as possible.
We’ve compiled a list of 5 simple things you can do to prep your house for warm weather – and save you time, money and stress.
1. Check and tune up your air conditioner
There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioner break on the hottest day of the summer and then having to wait to get an HVAC company out to repair it, during their busiest season. That’s why spring is the best time to check out your air conditioning system to ensure it will keep you cool during the warmest months.
Clear the debris that has built up around your outside unit to prevent it from getting into your cooling unit.
Change the filter. Clogged and dirty filters make air conditioning systems work harder, stay on longer and cost more to run.
Turn on your unit to see how it’s working. Even if everything does seem to be in working order, it is still a good idea to call a professional. Having your unit tuned up annually can help extend its life and keep it running efficiently. Seasonal maintenance is the best way to extend the longevity of your A/C unit.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Now is also a great time to consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat.
Traditional thermostats allow you to increase or decrease temperatures manually, but today’s programmable thermostats offer many convenient features that may surprise you.
Programmable thermostats with Wi-Fi technology allow you to operate your thermostat while on the go using an app on your smartphone or tablet. Wi-Fi connectivity can help you adjust temperatures while you are at work or away on vacation.
Your unit will be able to run at maximum efficiency if programmed correctly. By setting your thermostat to a pre-set schedule, you can reduce energy costs while maintaining a comfortable, efficient home environment.
3. Inspect your outdoor plumbing
There are many reasons why you should maintain your outdoor plumbing. Regular maintenance will identify small problems before they have a chance to develop into something bigger. It can also help you find leaks and reduce water waste, which can also save you money.
Outdoor faucets are prone to leaking, especially if they have frozen over the winter. If you leave your garden hose attached, there can be a tiny bit of water inside which is just enough to freeze and cause cracks and breakage.
If you have an inground irrigation system, you should make sure this is maintained and checked by a professional on a regular basis to ensure it is working correctly. There could be a very costly problem if something does leak or break and you do not notice it right away.
4. Visit your Attic
Before the temperature is too hot to head into your attic, venture up there and inspect it. There are several things that could have happened over the winter that may need your attention.
You may have had critters nesting up there trying to escape the cold. If that’s the case, you’ll need to get rid of any animals and animal droppings. Even if it’s old, animal waste can cause respiratory problems or other diseases. You will also need to find and seal the holes where the animals were entering.
• Although it seems counter-intuitive to add insulation to your home to prepare for the summer, the better insulated your home is, the less you will lose conditioned air through a leak. Consider adding additional insulation if yours has compacted. If you look out across the attic and can see the joists, you probably need more insulation. Insulation values have changed dramatically over the years. A professional can inspect your attic to let you know how to improve the energy efficiency of your attic and home.
Check for air vent obstructions and wet spots in the insulation that may indicate a leak.
5. Consider a Home Energy Audit
Before undertaking any energy efficiency upgrades to your home, you should always begin by having a home energy audit completed. A professional can evaluate your home and will help you to prioritize your projects so that you can save the most money on your project costs and energy bills. As a New Jersey resident, another benefit of a Professional Home Energy Audit is the chance to determine if you may be entitled to receive rebates and incentives through the state to help offset the cost of your home improvements.
Call Now
If you have any questions or concerns about preparing your home for summer. Please call Allied Experts. We have helped over 7000 NJ residents with their Home Performance needs.
