Summer Efficiency Checklist for Your Maryland Home

The hottest days of the year are coming, Maryland, so be prepared! Here’s a list of things you can do to keep your home cool and your bills as low as possible through the dog days of 2018.

Doors

• Keep doors between conditioned and unconditioned spaces closed
• Check seals around your doors to be sure they keep cool air from escaping

Windows

• Clean all window tracks and sills so windows close properly
• Caulk around the outdoor window frame to prevent heat from entering the house

Window treatments

• Consider adding window treatments to prevent the sun from adding to your air conditioner’s cooling load; you can learn more about energy efficient window treatments here.

Air conditioner/heat pump

• Sign up for an Carroll A/C and Heat Pump Plan to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency and to prevent problems later in the season

Vents

• Close vents in unused rooms and in the basement
• Keep air flowing through your vents by cleaning them with a damp microfiber cloth
• Move any items or furniture that might be obstructing air flow from your vents
• Check your A/C filter once a month, replacing or cleaning it as necessary

Dehumidifier

• If you have a whole house dehumidifier, have it serviced; if you don’t, consider having one installed to prevent conditions that can lead to a mold problem

Generator

• Have your propane whole house generator professionally serviced, preferably before the summer storm season begins
• Run your propane whole house generator at least once during the summer to make sure everything is in operating order
• Have enough propane gas to last at least a week in the event of a severe weather power outage
• If you don’t have a whole house generator, consider having one installed for greater peace of mind

Ceiling fans

• Run ceiling fans in conjunction with your home cooling equipment to keep air circulating; by doing so you can raise your thermostat by three to four degrees with no loss in comfort, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars during the summer
• Make sure the fan blades are rotating to draw cool air up into the room rather than pushing it down (see manufacturer’s instructions for how to reverse the direction of your fan blades)

Thermostat

• Target a thermostat setting of 78 degrees when people are home to get the best balance of comfort and energy savings; raise the thermostat six or seven degrees when no one is home

Alarms

• Test all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors and radon detectors; replace batteries if needed

Fireplace

• Close your fireplace damper to prevent heat from entering through the chimney; also consider scheduling a chimney cleaning and inspection.

Heating system

• Beat the late summer rush and have your heating system maintained

Attic

• Consider adding insulation to stabilize your home climate and help your A/C
• Use an attic fan to circulate and vent rising hot air from the house

Let Carroll keep you cool and comfortable for less this summer – contact us today for expert home cooling service, air conditioning and heat pump installations, and more!

For everything you need in home heating, trust the pros at Carroll Home Services – keeping Maryland homes warm for more than a century! Contact us to get started today!