Keep Your Home Cooler with These Summer A/C Tips

As temperatures and humidity rise, many homeowners turn up the air conditioning to stay comfortable. However, overworking your A/C system without proper maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, an increased likelihood of mold, and potential water damage. Here are several ways to stay cool while keeping your house’s health in check.

1. Replace or clean your air filter regularly.

A clogged air filter can reduce your A/C’s efficiency by up to 50%. Check your filter monthly and replace or clean it as needed. A clean filter improves airflow, helps the unit cool more effectively, and reduces the amount of dust, pollen, and mold in the air. When selecting a filter, consider its MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. Residential units typically use filters with a MERV rating between 1 and 12. Higher ratings trap smaller particles and can improve indoor air quality.

2. Seal gaps around window units.

Window air conditioners can allow warm, humid air into the home if not properly installed. Use foam insulation or foil tape to seal gaps around the unit. This reduces energy loss and keeps your space cooler. Materials are inexpensive and available at most hardware and home improvement stores.

3. Use a programmable timer or smart plug.

Air conditioners use a significant amount of energy. Avoid running your unit at full power when you’re not home. A programmable timer or smart plug can adjust the temperature while you’re away and return it to a comfortable level before you arrive. This helps reduce wear on the system and can lower energy bills.

4. Check attic insulation and ventilation.

Poor attic insulation can make it harder to keep your home cool, especially on hot days. If your ceiling feels warm to the touch, it may indicate that there is insufficient insulation. Improving insulation and ventilation helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces the strain on your A/C system. This also benefits your home during the winter months.

5. Inspect your system for leaks.

Water leaks from central A/C units often result from a cracked drain pan, clogged filter, or a blocked condensate line. These issues can lead to water damage in ceilings or walls. If you notice any signs of leaking, turn off the system and inspect these areas promptly. Addressing small issues early can prevent costly repairs later.

Staying cool doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills or home damage. With a few simple checks and low-cost upgrades, you can improve your air conditioner’s performance and keep your home comfortable all summer long. Regular maintenance now can also extend the life of your system and help prevent unexpected breakdowns when the heat is at its worst.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. For remodeling inquiries, call (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

Ways to Save on Skyrocketing Winter Energy Bills

Holiday lights, Christmas trees, and colder temperatures mean that December is usually one of the most expensive months in terms of utility bills. Last month, energy companies said that the average Connecticut electric bill would jump around $80 per month per household come January, so now is a great time to start thinking about ways to save. 

One resource that not enough people take advantage of is an audit by Energize Connecticut. For a fee, a home energy consultant will come to your home and conduct a full assessment, covering your furnace and water heater, air ducts, windows, doors, and more. Plus they can offer rebates for upgrades and repairs. To apply, visit the EnergizeCT website and choose your service provider. 

If you’re not interested in an assessment but would still like to winterize your home to save, here are the top five spots I always check for air leaks and heat loss. 

1. Windows. Believe it or not, hanging heavy fabric drapes can help you retain up to 25% of the heat in your home. This is especially true with large glass doors that aren’t being used in the winter months. Also, be sure to check for gaps. Wooden window frames get warped with age and can lead to serious air leakage. For cracks smaller than a quarter of an inch, a silicone caulk will plug up areas where heat is escaping. Also, if you feel air coming through your single panes and the glass rattles with the wind, beef them up with some shrink film. This product can be found at any home supply store and can be cut to size. 

2. Doors. We don’t often open the windows in the winter, but doors are a different story. They let lots of air escape, but they can’t be sealed completely because we need to use them. I always suggest inspecting your door sweep to ensure it’s not damaged and replacing it if the bristles have come loose. A door snake or seal can also come in handy, which can be purchased at any big box store or even made at home with an old pair of stockings and some rice, beans, newspaper, or another filling.

3. Attic. Those of you with an attic hatch are likely losing a ton of warm air through its frame. We all know that hot air rises, so close off that hatch with an insulated box that fits over the entryway. It's a great way to retain heat in the home and you’ll still have full access to the attic to get holiday decorations, luggage, and storage items.

4. Water Heater. Insulate your water heater’s tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the summer months. 

5. Insulation. Most homes simply do not have enough insulation in the walls and attic, which is probably the number one contributor to sky-high energy bills. Insulation acts as a barrier against heat flow, helping to keep the warm air inside the house by slowing the flow and stopping the heat from getting outside. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that with proper insulation, the average home in our area can save approximately 16 to 50 percent in total heating and cooling costs depending on the age and condition of the home. Plus it’s one of the highest-rated home improvements in terms of real estate resale value. 

Rising energy bills will be no joke this season. Take a few steps to winterproof your home and the impending increase won’t hit your wallet as hard in the new year. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.