Tag: Mel Foster

With the weather heating up, it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioning. Unfortunately, this will also crank up your energy bill, so follow these tips to stay cool and save money.

1. Clean or Replace Air Conditioner Filters

Be sure your cooling system is running at peak efficiency. If your filters are dirty and blocked, you’ll be using more energy and getting less cool air. Cleaning the filters won’t only result in cleaner air, but also a more efficient system. You’ll be breathing cooler and cleaner air for less money.

2. Keep Windows and Blinds Opened and Closed at the Right Time

Keeping the blinds and windows closed when the sun is beating down is an extremely easy way to keep your home cooler. But if you like having fresh air, try to only open windows at night or in the early morning before the heat and humidity rise. Having the windows open rather than running the A/C a no cost way to keep your home a little cooler while still enjoying the summer weather.

3. Only Use Air Conditioning if you are Home

It might be refreshing to always come home to nice cool house, but running air conditioning 24/7 can be very expensive. Turning off the air while you’re at work will end up saving you money each month. Many thermostats have scheduling features or smart phone connectivity so you can activate air conditioning at a specific time.

4. Use Fans to Circulate Air

Using fans to keep air moving is one of the best ways to keep cool. You’ll save energy, and be able to control the speed of the air flow. This will help cool air disperse more evenly throughout your home, and keep energy costs down. Remember to switch your fan’s direction to counterclockwise in the summer to create cool downward airflow

The warmer weather is here so it’s time to make sure your house is in good shape. Here are a few things you can do to help you maintain your home.

1. Interior Cleaning

Now is the time to clean and maintain your HVAC system. Change the filters, check for leaks and make sure the drain pans are draining freely. Vacuum any dust in the vents, especially if you suffer from allergies.

Clean the attic and basement and give both areas a solid once over. These lesser used areas of a home are prone to insects and dampness especially if you have any leaks. Check for any mold or wet spots. If the attic or basement feels more humid than the rest of the house, it may be due to water somewhere in the walls.

2. Exterior Cleaning

Check your roof to make sure there aren’t any shingles out of place. You probably don’t need to get up on the roof, but do a quick check to make sure everything looks good. Winter can be tough on roofs so see how you fared over the winter.

Siding and windows are other areas to check annually. Cracks or water stains are indications you need to do some repairs. Water stains usually come from your gutters not draining properly. Cracks may require professional help, but you’ll save money in the long run as repairing cracks will keep cold air inside.

3. Outdoors

Check that your central air is in good working condition. Flush the leaves and other debris out of your unit outdoors. If you feel the inside of your home isn’t cooling down fast enough, it may be time to call a professional in for a look.

Decks and patios should be cleaned every year to extend their lifetimes. Adding a finish or sealant will keep your deck looking nice and protect it from the elements. It’s also a great time to clean any outdoor furniture to get it ready for summer. Rent, borrow or buy a pressure washer to make quick work out of the cleaning.

If you have a grill, be sure it’s in good condition. Check burner jets for clogs and obstructions. Be sure gas hoses and connections are tight and secure. You’ll want to be sure your grill is ready before your big barbecue party. It’s a good idea to have a spare tank on hand so you don’t run out of gas midway through cooking.