As you prepare for your annual air conditioner service this year, take a minute to consider calculating the amount that you spend on heating and cooling annually. Then, think about the last time you’ve taken a walk around and looked for leaky doors and windows. It’s something that nearly all homes have to battle with, but there is a large portion of money slipping between the cracks, going out the window – literally.
However, almost all of the cracks and leaks can be easily sealed on your own, helping you save money throughout the year. Plus, it can help you increase the benefits of your annual air conditioner service too, helping you potentially hold on to more cool air while helping to improve energy efficiency and your comfort.
So where should you search for those annoying leaks?
The attic.
Attics are well-known for allowing the most air out of your home, so check these particular areas while up in your attic:
- Stud cavities around your home can be open, or uninsulated, meaning air can easily leak out, leaving you with a less-than-comfortable home and considerably impacting your energy efficiency as well. If you want to get the most out of your annual air conditioner service, make sure you fill these gaps to better insulate your home.
- Recessed lights normally have vents that open in to the attic, which leaves the door open for cool air loss. Make sure your lights come previously sealed or add an airtight baffle to solve the issue on unsealed lights.
- Attic access doors typically aren’t thought of when you swap out or install weatherstripping to other windows or doors around your house but can let quite a bit of cool air get in to your attic.
All house openings.
Windows and doors are usually the chief culprits for losing cool air, and rightfully so.
- Check to ensure the weatherstripping on all of your doors is in working order and isn’t cracked or torn. If it is, replace it.
- Check the border of all of your home’s windows, both in and outdoor, inspecting the caulking. It’s easy to use a caulking gun to plug any openings you uncover.
- If your home has a chimney, make sure any gaps around the flue or chimney itself are properly covered with aluminum flashing to block air flow.
The host of ways you can get the most out of your annual air conditioner service dollars is pretty long, but if you take a little time to tackle the list we’ve outlined, you can probably make your home more efficient and more comfortable. If you have any questions about these tips or are just looking to set up air conditioner service, give Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. a call at 918-682-8238 or schedule an appointment online.