To increase comfort and save homeowners money, it’s important to be sure a home is properly sealed. An Atlanta cooling service expert explains why.
Atlanta, Georgia – Homeowners are spending money every month on something that’s easy and inexpensive to fix – small holes and cracks they might not even know exist can let out as much as air as an open window. And not only does this increase a home’s utility bill, it can decrease the comfort level for the homeowners.
“It is essential that exterior walls, ceilings and floors are properly sealed,” says Phil Montgomery, who owns Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning, which has provided service for more than 40 years. “In this economy where homeowners are looking for every way they can to save money each month, being sure their home is correctly sealed is a quick and easy way to save those dollars.”
Two quick and fairly simple ways to seal leaks and cracks are weatherstripping and/or caulking. Weatherstripping should be used to seal doors, windows and other parts of a home that move or open to the outside. Caulk can seal cracks or openings around doors, windows and other opening to the outside. Both are simple repairs for homeowners to perform themselves, and are fairly inexpensive.
Before a homeowner seeks out AC repair services because their home isn’t as cool as it should be it’s important to first check for leaks or cracks. A certified technician from an Atlanta cooling service company can thoroughly check the home to be sure it is sealed correctly.
“Obviously the most important step to fixing any leak or crack is finding it,” says Montgomery, who also provides AC installation service. “Homeowners can look for cracks on their own, but a technician will complete a comprehensive search that includes an inspection of the duct work to find exactly where the problem is located. Holes and cracks can be hidden in the attic hatch, wiring holes, recessed lights and other places a homeowner might not think to check.”
Doors and windows are the first place homeowners should check on their own. It is easy for homeowners to check the sealing on their doors and windows with the paper test. Simply place a piece of paper in the door or window, close it, and if the paper can be pulled out easily, it’s not sealed correctly. And if homeowners felt a draft anywhere in their home during the winter, chances are there’s a leak around there somewhere.
Proper sealing of a home is essential to maintaining comfort and decreasing utility bills. But it is also important that a home not be sealed too tightly or it can create poor indoor air quality. Some fresh air should enter the home to help keep the air clean, especially in homes with forced air heating systems. A quick visit by an HVAC specialist will tell a homeowner if their home is properly ventilated.
To save money on monthly utility bills and increase a home’s comfort, homeowners should call a certified HVAC specialist to inspect their home for cracks and leaks as soon as possible. As the warm summer months are almost here, properly sealing a home can save homeowners from having the cool air conditioned air escape, leaving them with high utility bills and an uncomfortable home.
