Summer is here, and you can hear the heat in the familiar hum of air conditioners working overtime. An efficient and effective HVAC system will cool your home and maintain that coolness without unnecessary energy drain. Essential additions such as air conditioner insulating seals, magnetic vent covers, and backdraft dampers can optimize your home’s HVAC system and make a significant difference in your indoor summer experience.
Reap the benefits of summer-proofing your home and HVAC
Taking time to summer-proof your home pays off all season long and even into the future. The most immediate benefit of summer-proofing your home is enhanced indoor comfort. Adjustments such as sealing windows and doors, installing window treatments, and optimizing your HVAC system can keep your home cooler and more comfortable despite the blistering outdoor temperatures. By preventing the intrusion of external heat and ensuring your AC unit works efficiently, you can enjoy a more consistently comfortable living environment.
When you summer-proof your home, you will also experience energy efficiency, leading to cost savings. An inefficient home during summer strains your air conditioning system. This leads to higher energy consumption and, consequently, higher utility bills. Several simple summer-proofing measures can significantly reduce energy usage. By minimizing the effort your AC needs to maintain cool temperatures, you’re saving on costs and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Third, you’ll enjoy improved air quality when you take time to summer-proof your HVAC. Summer doesn’t just bring heat; it often brings higher humidity and an increase in allergens, which can compromise indoor air quality. Summer-proofing efforts such as sealing leaks, changing HVAC filters regularly, and perhaps investing in a dehumidifier help to maintain a healthier indoor air environment. Reducing humidity levels not only makes for a more comfortable atmosphere but also helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, safeguarding your home’s air quality.
In addition to those benefits, summer-proofing extends the lifespan of your HVAC. Your HVAC system works hardest during the peak of summer. Without proper preparation and maintenance, the strain can lead to wear and tear, reducing the system’s overall lifespan. Summer-proofing can prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce the need for repairs, and extend the lifespan of your system. This proactive approach saves you money and inconvenience in the long run.
Keep your cool air inside with air conditioner insulating seals
Air conditioner insulating seals are foam or rubber strips designed to fit around window-mounted air conditioning units, filling the gap between the unit and the window frame.
These seals have a dual purpose: They block warm air from getting in and keep cool air from getting out. By properly sealing your AC unit, you ensure that it does not work overtime and reduce your monthly energy bills.
Insulating seals maintain a consistent room temperature throughout your home. You and your entire family will notice the difference.
These seals also deter pests and dust from entering your home. They are a quick and easy way to boost your indoor air quality.
Best of all, air conditioner seals are inexpensive and can be installed without professional help.
Regulate your home’s cool air with magnetic vent covers
Magnetic vent covers are thin magnetic sheets that snap into place over steel air vents. Cutting them to size ensures that they block all of the air coming from floor vents. The covers fit securely without any need for adhesives.
Vent covers allow you to manage the airflow in your home by blocking air from entering certain areas. This naturally increases the cool air your HVAC system can push into the other areas. These covers are particularly useful in unoccupied rooms or lesser-used parts of your home. Vent covers redirect cool air to where you need it most.
Optimizing the distribution of air will make a noticeable difference in your comfort level. In addition, you should also notice a reduced burden on your HVAC system and lower energy bills.
As you experiment with guiding airflow in your home, you can move and reuse Magnetic vent covers whenever you choose. As hot air rises in the summer, blocking basement vents may help keep your second floor cool. In the winter, however, you may find that opening the basement vents keeps that floor warm and allows the hot air to rise on its own. These vent covers offer a high level of flexibility in managing your home’s temperature.
Make sure your HVAC sends air the right way with backdraft dampers
Backdraft dampers are check valves for your HVAC. They allow airflow in one direction and prevent it from flowing backward. They are typically installed in ductwork where the duct exits the home.
When the airflow reverses, backdraft dampers close automatically. Their job is to prevent hot or humid air, or even pests, from entering the ducting system. By ensuring that air only flows the way it is intended to flow, backdraft dampers enable you to minimize energy loss and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.
Backdraft dampers are durable and low maintenance. Most are made of high-quality materials that withstand harsh conditions and require minimal maintenance.
Summer is meant to be enjoyed. Equip your home to handle the worst of rising temperatures, then sit back and sip your lemonade. By reinforcing your home’s defenses against the heat, you ensure that even when heat waves strike, your living environment remains an oasis of cool and comfort. With just a few easy and inexpensive summer-proofing tweaks, you can rest assured knowing that your home is prepared, your energy bills won’t skyrocket, and your living environment will remain comfortable and healthy, allowing you to relax and enjoy the summer season to its fullest.
Adding must-have items such as air conditioner insulating seals, magnetic vent covers, and backdraft dampers to your home significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of your HVAC system during the summer months. So, before the mercury rises any further, take the necessary steps to shield your sanctuary from the heat and bask in the benefits all summer long.
By Melanie Powers, President and CEO of Goodberlet Home Services