Why Won’t My House Get Cool
Summer’s heat has arrived and keeping cool is important for your health and comfort. Do you ever wonder, “Why doesn’t my house feel cool?”, even after you’ve lowered your thermostat multiple times. There are many reasons why your home may not be able to keep in the air cooled by your air conditioning system. Some are simple fixes that you can do on your own, and others are bigger, long term projects that require some help. Listed below are a few reasons why your home isn’t cooling off as much as it could, and how to fix those issues. If these quick fixes don’t solve your problems you can contact us!
Old home
The age of a home can be an issue in keeping cool in the summer. Older homes often have less efficient systems, and more areas where air can leak through. If a home was built before air conditioning was created, and then an a/c unit was installed, the design may not work as well. Get in touch with an energy auditor to inspect where you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, and how to contain the cooled air on a hot day.
Insulation
Where you have insulation, how old it is, and the quality of it are all important details of note when talking about staying cool. Most people think of insulation in terms of heating a home in winter, but it also applies to cool air in the summer. Standard insulation lasts about 15 years, but it can degrade sooner if damaged or exposed to moisture. Not only should you insulate your attic, but also your crawl space (if you have one). The insulation works to keep indoor air inside, so air cooled by the air conditioner isn’t leaking out of your home, and so that hot air from outside isn’t finding it’s way in. There are many different options when selecting insulation – from the traditional batt (looks like cotton candy) to newer spray foams, panels, and foam blocks. Get in touch with a professional to see if your insulation is in need of replacement, and what option might be right for your budget and space.
Windows and doors
Imagine your home as a fish tank, but instead of water, it is filled with cooled air. Now imagine that there are multiple small leaks in the tank. The water isn’t pouring out, but left untreated, the tank will empty – wasting water. Your home is similar when you run your air conditioning. You are paying to cool the air in your home, but if you have old, inefficient doors and windows, those tiny cracks are allowing air to leak outside. Upgrading the doors and windows of your home will ensure that there are no leaks, and allow your home to stay cool more efficiently.
Landscaping
If you are considering adding landscaping to your home, it can help keep you cool as well. Adding shade trees or bushes in strategic spots can help lower the nearby temperature between 2 and 9 degrees. Not only does it block direct sunlight from hitting your home, it also cools the air through evapotranspiration. While shade trees do take time to grow, they are a good investment for the future. Contact a landscaper to help you plan what types of shade plants would work for your home.
HVAC system
If your home doesn’t seem to cool off, regardless of what the thermostat is set to, you probably need to take a look at your HVAC unit. A well-maintained unit can run efficiently and maintain a comfortable temperature rather easily. However, if you don’t take care of the system, that’s when problems can occur. You should be changing the filter in your HVAC about every 3 months to allow air to flow smoothly, and to keep breathing air clean. You can also check your outdoor condenser unit (the big box outside that blows hot air when it’s on) and make sure that it is free from any debris that might hinder air flow. Have an HVAC specialist come out for a check up twice a year – once before turning on the air conditioner, and once in the fall, before switching over to heat. They will be able to diagnose any problems that your system may have, and be on the lookout for any warning signs of upcoming issues. A well-maintained HVAC system can live for 20+ years, but a neglected one lasts anywhere from 10-15 years. Having regular check ups with a trained specialist will ensure that your HVAC is running efficiently at all times, so you can stay cool.
There are many ways that you can help your HVAC run efficiently. Give Weather Crafters a call today to schedule your HVAC’s next maintenance appointment. Our highly-trained staff will get to the bottom of your cooling problems.
