The south Texas climate is one of the hottest and most humid in the country, and for months out of each year, we use ample electricity cooling and dehumidifying our homes. Homeowners can lower the high summer electric bills by sealing air leaks, increasing insulation and having their A/C systems maintained annually.
While projects like sealing air leaks are within the capacity of many homeowners, some might find them more difficult. Helping friends, family or neighbors with these tasks doesn’t take long, and it’s a good investment in reducing the amount of money you and others spend on keeping your homes comfortable. Taken individually, it’s well worth doing, and when people do it collectively, the savings really add up financially and environmentally.
Seal the air leaks
Leaky window frames are often a cause of high energy consumption in the south Texas climate. Hot, humid air coming indoors increases your cooling load. Look between the window frames and the home’s exterior. When you see cracks, seal them with exterior caulk.
Exterior door leaks also increase the cooling load. If you can see daylight between the door and the frame, apply fresh weatherstripping. Check the home’s exterior for places where pipes, cables, vents or wires enter, and then seal those with expanding foam to lower energy bills.
Add insulation
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that we have at least 12 inches of insulation in the attic. Batt insulation is easy to install if there’s plenty of room in the attic for movement. However, if your attic is difficult to navigate, consider blown-in. It’s always a two-person job, and Mathews CCAC Inc. can help you increase your insulation by blowing in fiberglass insulation. It’s an inexpensive solution that has an immediate and long-term impact on energy consumption.
HVAC maintenance also goes a long way toward lowering energy costs in our south Texas climate, especially when it includes a ductwork inspection. If you’d like to learn more about routine maintenance for your air conditioner, contact Mathews CCAC Inc. We provide cooling and heating services for the Coastal Bend area and look forward to helping you lower your energy bills.
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