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.

What To Do About Warped Siding

With Father’s Day happening this weekend and grills getting fired up all over the neighborhood, it’s a great time to talk about one of the most misunderstood siding issues I hear about: warped vinyl. Every summer, readers ask me why their siding looks “wrinkled,” even when it’s brand new. They usually blame the sun, the heat, or the frigid Connecticut winters. But here’s the kicker: warped siding isn’t a weather problem. It’s an installation problem.

The technical term for that unsightly ripple effect is “oil canning” or “stress buckling,” and it’s almost always the result of improper installation, not Mother Nature.

Vinyl siding is a fan favorite because it’s durable, low-maintenance, and looks great. But even the best-looking siding won’t hold up if it’s not put on right. Homes are built with natural materials like wood that expand and contract with the seasons. Siding needs to move with those changes. If it’s nailed too tightly, it can’t “breathe,” and that’s when it starts to buckle and warp.

Here’s another common mistake: overlapping the panels too much. It might seem like extra overlap equals extra strength, but it actually traps the siding, making it stretch and buckle when temperatures shift.

Now, back to that burning question: can the sun warp your siding? Not really. But there is one backyard culprit I’ve seen cause some serious damage: your grill. If you’re planning a Father’s Day cookout, do your siding a favor and keep that gas grill a good distance from the house. That seared steak isn’t worth melted siding.

Unfortunately, once siding starts to oil can, it needs to be replaced. Since the issue stems from how it was installed, the manufacturer’s warranty typically won’t cover it. And if your siding is a few years old, getting an exact color match might be tricky.

Bottom line: this is a job that requires know-how. Whether you’re hiring a pro or going the DIY route, make sure proper installation techniques are followed. You don’t want your home’s exterior to look like a wavy potato chip.

How to Find the Right Expert for the Job

If you’re not up for a DIY siding install (and really, who wants to spend Father’s Day up on a ladder?), here are a few quick tips to help you find a reliable contractor:

• Ask for experience specifically with vinyl siding. Not all siding is the same, and vinyl has its quirks. Make sure they’ve got a solid track record.

• Check references and reviews. Past customers are your best source of truth. Look for red flags like frequent callbacks or mention of warped siding.

• Make sure they’re licensed and insured. This protects you in case anything goes sideways, literally or figuratively.

• Ask about manufacturer certification. Some siding brands certify installers. This can improve your odds of proper installation and preserve the warranty.

• Get everything in writing. A detailed proposal should include materials, labor, timeline, and cost. If they can’t provide it, walk away.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Got a question for Bob? Email it to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” Your question may be featured in a future column. For remodeling help, call O’Donnell Bros. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Combat Summer Humidity in the Home

After a lot of rain followed by heat and humidity, it’s no surprise if your house starts to feel a little swampy. Summer weather may be great for your garden, but it can spell trouble for your home if humidity isn’t kept in check.

While we can’t control what’s happening outside, the real concern is what that sticky air is doing inside, particularly in basements, attics, and anywhere else moisture loves to settle. That moisture can lead to mold, mildew, musty smells, and even damage to your home’s structure over time.

A lot of folks assume their air conditioner has them covered, but the truth is, while it cools the air, its dehumidifying powers are more of a side effect than a solution. Air conditioners recycle and chill indoor air, which helps a little with moisture, but if humidity is high, they’ll struggle to keep your home comfortable and dry.

That’s where a dehumidifier comes in. Unlike an AC unit, a dehumidifier’s sole job is to pull excess moisture from the air and collect it in a tank. If you’ve ever felt that damp, clammy vibe in your basement, you’re not imagining things, and a dehumidifier can make a big difference. In fact, starting in the basement is a smart move, since that’s usually the most humid part of the house.

Want to know how humid your house really is? A $5 humidity gauge from the hardware store will tell you. Ideally, your indoor humidity should be under 50%. If it’s higher, consider running a dehumidifier in the most-used parts of your home, especially on those muggy days when it feels like you’re living inside a wet sponge.

Bonus: a dehumidifier doesn’t just make the air feel more comfortable. It also helps prevent mold growth, eliminates musty odors, and keeps old pipes from sweating. And here’s a neat trick, reuse the water collected in the tank to hydrate your plants. They won’t complain.

Dehumidifiers come in different sizes, usually 25, 30, or 40-pint models. A 25-pint unit generally works well for a 1,000-square-foot space, making it a good fit for most basements or mid-sized rooms.

Worried about the energy bill? Don’t be. Dehumidifiers typically use about half the electricity of an AC unit. To save energy, only run the unit when humidity spikes (above 50%), and keep windows and doors closed while it’s on. Just don’t run it all night in the bedroom - they can dry out the air a bit too much while you sleep.

And don’t forget maintenance. Dehumidifiers can get clogged with dust and debris, which blocks airflow and could even spread mold if left unchecked. A quick wipe-down of the filter with a damp cloth and a spritz of all-purpose cleaner will keep things running smoothly.

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 http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.