It seems like every year the summer is hotter than the last. Keeping your home cool is the best way to beat the heat. Particularly in the south, homes can easily reach uncomfortable, and even dangerous, temperatures. It is imperative to the health and comfort of your family to take measures to keep your home at a livable temperature. There are several ways to bring down and maintain the temperature of your home.
Central air, also known as A/C, is the most efficient way to keep your home cool in the hot summer months. If you do not currently have a central air system, installing one will drastically change the comfort of your home. Unlike fans and window units, central air has the power to cool your entire home – not just individual rooms. This is the best way to not only cool, but to also maintain the temperature throughout the home.
If you already have a central air system but feel your home isn’t as cool as it should be, it could be time for AC repairs. Maintenance is key to keeping your system operating efficiently. Regular filter changes are important. If a filter change doesn’t cool things down, you may need more extensive repairs. Ice build up could indicate you are low on Freon and need to recharge your system. If your system is 10 years or older, it is important to have it professionally serviced to keep it running as long as possible.
Another option for keeping your home cool in the summer is a window air conditioning unit. These are small units installed in one or more windows of the home to disperse cool air throughout a room. The biggest advantage of window units are they are less expensive than a central air conditioning system. They are also great for small spaces, such as studios or one bedroom apartments, because they are unable to efficiently cool large spaces. Many homeowners with central air opt to add a window unit in rooms that are difficult to keep cool.
Once you have the proper cooling systems in place, you should find your home is sufficiently cooled. If not, it is possible that the cool air is escaping your home due to a lack of attic insulation. Older homes in particular often have inadequate insulation. Blown-in insulation is a great option to quickly and easily add additional insulation to keep the cool air from escaping your home.
