Maintain your AC

As we get closer and closer to summer and we all start turning on our central AC or installing our window units you may be wondering..."Is there something I should be doing  to make sure my AC will last and not break down on a 95 degree day?"  Although we can not guarantee that it won't break down, we can throw some tips your way to help you stay cool and keep your AC going!

If your unit is a through the wall or in the window one of the first things you will want to check will be the filter.  A dirty filter can make the air flow restricted, keeping you warmer than what you'd like.  With some units you can simply rinse off your filter while others you'll need to get a new one.  Use your vacuum attachment to keep the coils clean and if you have any bent fins, try and bend them back.  For that they actually make a specially designed brush instead of using a screw driver which can cause more damage than you had in the first place.  There are also kits you can buy to seal the area around a window unit to make sure no air leaks out.

When it comes to a central air unit there are some things that you can check.  Once again, check any filters to make sure the air flow is at it's highest efficiency and that the air is clean.  Be sure to keep the coils clean and during the summer months when you are using the AC, keep plants around 2-3 feet away from the unit to ensure proper air flow.  If you can, check your duct work.  Around 30% of your heat and air can be lost in poorly insulated duct work.  Using a professional to complete a summer maintenance check is also a great idea.  They can open the unit to clean and check everything for you.  We have some great companies as part of our Home Services department.

Has anyone tried these tips or have any others?  Feel free to share!

Ideas to Beat the Heat

With the last couple of days in the 80's and 90's you may be trying to think of some ways to beat the heat. In this post we will give you a few pointers to help with the heat so you can still enjoy the great weather this summer.

• Wear loose fitting light colored clothing.  Lighter colors attract less heat and with loose clothing it will allow for more air-flow to help keep you cool.
• Change your routine.  As nice as that run may be early afternoon on a Saturday, summer is not the time for it!  Adjust your activities so they are happening earlier or later in the day when the temperatures are cooler and the sun isn't beating on you as harshly.
• Stay hydrated!  Stick with water unless you are working out or working hard (then add a sports drink in there).  Stay away from anything with caffeine or alcohol as those will dehydrate you faster.
• Use fans!  Even if you have central air or an A/C unit using a fan can make it seem cooler (that way you won't have to put as much stress on your A/C units.  If you are air conditioner-less then try getting a window fan and putting it on the sunny side of your home so it pulls the hot air out and open a window in shaded areas so it pulls cooler air in.

What kind of ideas do you have to stay cool?  Leave them here, on our Facebook, or Twitter!

Why a Small Home Might Save You a Big Headache

Other than keeping you and your loved ones nice and cozy, a small home has several benefits. In addition to the generally lower asking price, here are 5 reasons smaller may be better:

1. Lower property taxes: Since the value of a small home is usually assessed lower than a larger home, your property taxes could be significantly lower than your neighbors.


2. Lower property insurance: Although it varies by location, generally the smaller the house, the lower the insurance cost. How the house is constructed also affects the insurance cost. A wood house in a wildfire-prone area, for example, will likely cost more to insure than a brick house.


3. Heating and cooling savings: Even if the house is poorly insulated, you may still be saving money. One study found that a poorly insulated, 1500 sq. ft. house is at least $200 cheaper per year to heat and cool than a well-insulated house twice that size.


4. Save on major replacements: Let's just say that when it comes time to replace the roof, both you and your wallet will be thankful that there's a lot less roof to pay for.


5. Easier maintenance: Spending less time cutting smaller lawns, cleaning gutters, and washing windows means more time to do what you actually want to do. When spring cleaning time rolls around, you'll be loving your little house while your neighbor is still scrubbing away.

3 Green Home Improvements that Pay Off

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, what would be more appropriate than an article about "green" home improvements?

If, over the last few years, you have made some green home improvements and were hoping for lower energy bills and a quick recovery of your initial investment, you were probably disappointed. Your monthly bottom line has likely been steady—or worse, gone up.

Before you rule out green, change your thinking. Instead of expecting large returns, understand a new bottom line: Smart retrofits help you hold your ground against rising energy costs.

Energy prices as a whole have gone up over the last decade, especially in certain regions of the country. Although natural gas prices have dipped a bit since 2008 and electricity prices have stayed level, the trend line goes up for both from 2011 forward.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates an average annual increase in residential energy costs of 2.3% through 2035. So if energy cost projections hold, and assuming an average annual American energy bill of $2,200, you’ll pay 2.3% more each year (that’s $50 the first year) if you do nothing to reduce your consumption. Your bill could inch closer to $4,000 by the year 2035.

If the only reason you’re making retrofits is to manage energy costs, look for projects with maximum bang for the buck. Try to beat the 2.3% annual average with green home improvements that reduce your energy consumption by 5% or more but have a modest initial investment. And don’t forget to ask whether your utility or state government offers rebates or tax credits for these improvements.

1. Seal and insulate ductwork that runs through unheated spaces—the attic, a crawl space, a garage. It’s not glamorous, but it can improve the efficiency of your heating system by 20%—a 5% bill reduction overall. If you hire an HVAC pro for this job, you’ll invest a few hundred dollars for labor and materials.

2. Buy a programmable thermostat. For just $25 to $250, you can save, on average, around 8% on energy bills simply by programming it properly.

3. Add attic insulation and seal air leaks. One of the best energy-saving improvements out there, because insulating and sealing your home can reduce your energy bills by 10%. Upgrading your attic insulation to the recommended R-value costs anywhere from $.25 to $1 per square foot, including materials and labor; it’s less if you do it yourself.
But you won’t get the maximum savings if you don’t seal air leaks, so plan this as a combo job. Caulking and weather-stripping typically costs from $50 to $350, depending on the size of your house.

Stop Wasting Energy and Start Saving Money!

Small air leaks around windows and doors can cost you more than you realize as well as waste up to 30% of heating and cooling energy. Sealing these small leaks will save energy and money. Here’s how:

First, check for the leaks. With the window or door that you are checking, make sure it is closed and hold up a lit candle or stick of incense near the frames where drafts might be hiding. Watch for smoke and mark the areas leaking air.

For windows, especially older ones, caulking and new weather stripping will be very beneficial. Here are a few options:

Bronze weather stripping for around $12 for 17 feet lasts for decades but is more time consuming to install. Self-sticking plastic types are easier for installation, but don’t last as long. A good compromise between the two is an adhesive-backed EPDM rubber ($8 for 10 feet) that should last at least 10 years. You can also invest around $9 it an item called a pulley seal to block air from moving through the holes where cords disappear into the frames.

For doors check for air leaks and replace old weather stripping. You can try:

Foam-type tape that has an adhesive backing, which is inexpensive and easy to install. If it comes loose, just reinforce with staples.

Adhesive backed or metal reinforced felt is also an option and must be tacked or glued into place. It is cheap and easy, but lacking in durability.

The best sealing option is a tubular rubber, vinyl or silicone weather strip, however it is somewhat expensive and difficult to install. Some types do come pre-cut and designed to fit into jambs of newer doors.

Make sure to also check exterior trim for any gaps. Caulking with a latex caulk for around $5 is an easy solution.

A common place for air leaks is at the bottom of doors, so make sure to check the condition of your threshold gasket. Replace as needed and if you can see daylight under the door, you may need to install a taller gasket for around $25. You can also install a weather-resistant door sweep designed for exterior doors, which is easy and around $9.

If you need help, contact Nothnagle's Home Services Department!