As warmer temperatures refresh the world around us, let’s all follow nature’s example to beautify and update our homes. Here is a quick guide to get your home ready for summer and ensure year-round efficiency and comfort.
1. Give Your HVAC System Some TLC
Turn off your electric panel, and head out to your air condenser. Clear away any leaves, sticks, dirt, and debris on or around the unit. Then, open it up, get the garden hose, and wash off the coils. It helps to purchase a foaming coil cleaner like this one for a more thorough clean.
When you’re done, go back inside and change your air filter. Do this every time the seasons change to help your system run efficiently and reduce allergens and dust in your home.
Whether you want to clean out your system yourself or have a pro take care of it, it’s also important to have your heating and cooling system checked annually to ensure longevity, efficiency, and safety and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Annual maintenance is often required to keep your system under warranty as well.
Call HomeWorks HVAC today or schedule online to take advantage of our limited-time offer of a full system tune-up for just $99! You’ll also get 10% off any repair or service and a free standard-size air filter.
2. Perfect Your Pavement
Now that your HVAC is good to go for the next year, let’s talk about your home’s exterior. Spring is a great time to notice and repair cracks in your pavement. Power wash your driveway and walkways, fill any cracks with color-matched cement filler (this is easy to find at your local hardware store), and replace any broken pavers—or just turn them over.
3. Clean the Gutters
Next, clean out your gutters, taking the proper safety precautions. Be sure to call a professional for any areas you can’t reach safely on your own.
4. Repair Weatherization Issues
On your way back inside, check out the weather stripping and air sealing around your doors and windows. You may notice cracks that you’ve been overlooking. In addition to regular wear and tear, pets often take a toll on weather stripping when they’re eager to go outside. It’s simple to replace and can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and eliminating drafts.
If you haven’t had a no-cost Home Energy Assessment in a few years, this is another great opportunity to call our team at HomeWorks Energy. A home energy specialist can identify these problem areas for you and give you access to 100% off air sealing through Mass Save®. Why do it yourself when someone else will do it for you at no cost?
5. Update Your Insulation
During your assessment, your home energy specialist will also evaluate the insulation in your attic and walls. If it’s not up to standards, you could get up to 100% off better insulation as well! Insufficient insulation results in higher energy bills, an overworked cooling system, and unnecessary carbon emissions. It’s important to assess your insulation now before your attic reaches sweltering temperatures that will heat up the rest of your home this summer.
6. Set Energy-Efficient Cooling Habits
With your insulation and air sealing under control, turn your attention to your thermostat. (If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, get one at no cost during your Home Energy Assessment!) Update your smart thermostat settings to maximize energy efficiency for your schedule in warm weather. Set it higher than you normally would while you’re at work or out, and save the cooler setting for nighttime when the sun is down and everyone is inside.
If it’s still cool enough to rely on open windows and ceiling fans, keep your thermostat off until temperatures rise. Be sure to set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise, maximizing their cooling effect.
Natural light is wonderful to help reduce energy use and boost mood, but don’t let the sun heat up your home while you’re away. When you leave home during the day, close the blinds and curtains to keep the house cool.
7. Check the Deck
Don’t wait until the wood on your deck starts rotting and needs expensive repairs. Decks take some work, but the maintenance is worth it. Reseal a wood deck every two to three years to protect it from the elements and keep it looking great.
8. Refresh Your Landscaping
Be sure to trim trees and bushes so that they don’t touch your home. Refresh your beds with new flowers and plants or a fresh layer of mulch, and fertilize your lawn.
9. Declutter and Recycle
Finally, take pride in your home! Go through the clutter, donate or recycle what you don’t need, and give each room a thorough clean. Caring for your space can reduce stress and anxiety and improve focus and positivity. Enjoy your home, and let us know when and how we can help.
Services We Provide in Massachusetts
Schedule a No-Cost Assessment with HomeWorks Energy
At HomeWorks, our team is committed to helping you live confidently and comfortably in your home. To learn more about our services, schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment online or call us at 781-305-3319. Then, we encourage you to take advantage of the Mass Save rebates and incentives available to you by saying “yes” to recommended weatherization work and other home efficiency upgrades.
