Keeping Cool and Saving Money This Summer is Easy

Each year the typical U.S. household spends more than $1,900 on home utility bills. A big part of that expense comes from air conditioning during the summer months. But there’s good news. We have simple and inexpensive things you can do to help beat the heat this summer – all without breaking the bank.

Weatherize and Insulate Your Home
Caulking, weather stripping and proper insulation keep warm air out and cold air in. As a bonus, they give your air conditioning system a break. Most experts agree that these improvements pay for themselves in no time at all.

Step 1: Find Your Air Leaks
Some air leaks are obvious – like noticeable drafts under your front door – but some are harder to find. Look for areas where different types of building materials meet, plus intersections between the foundation and walls.

Also Check:

Door and window frames
Metal chutes
Electrical and gas service entrances
Cable TV and phone lines
Where dryer vents pass through walls
Air conditioners
Vents and fans

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Step 2: Caulk
You can use a caulking compound to seal leaks and prevent water damage in lots of places throughout your home. Most come in disposable cartridges that fit in half-barrel caulking guns, while others come in aerosol cans, squeeze tubes and ropes. At True Value, we'll be happy to help you pick the right one for your project.

Helpful Tips:

Clean all areas to be caulked for good adhesion.
Hold the gun at a consistent 45-degree angle to the crack.
Avoid stops and starts if possible.
Get caulk into the bottom of the opening to avoid air pockets.
Use a putty knife to push excess caulk into a crack.
Don't skimp on caulk -- you'll need at least a half-cartridge per window or door.

Step 3: Add Weather Stripping
Use weather stripping to make your doors and windows more airtight. Typical materials include tension seal, felt, reinforced foam, and tubular rubber or vinyl, so ask your local True Value to help you choose. While it's important to seal the cracks, don't forget to allow windows and doors to open and close freely.

Here's how to apply weather stripping:

Determine how much you need by measuring the perimeters of your doors and windows. Add 5% - 10% to accommodate any waste.
Apply stripping to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20 degrees F.
Make sure it's snug against both surfaces, like doorframes and doorstops or the tops and bottoms of window sashes.
It should compress to form a tight seal when the door or window is shut.

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Step 4: Insulate
Insulation is simply a method for slowing freely moving heat, like the normal heat transfer into and out of your home. The most effective place to add insulation is usually the attic. Loose-fill and batt insulation are the most widely-used.

Here are a few insulation basics:

Insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. R-values of standard insulating materials range from 2.1 to 7.7 per inch.
Recommended R-values vary depending upon where you live. But a rule of thumb is that attic insulation should have a value of R-38, duct insulation a value of R-11, and insulation around pipes a value of R-3.

Water lines can also be insulated. Foam pipe insulation sleeves are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

You're Ready for Summer
Following these tips can help you enjoy the longer days and shorter nights of summer in comfort – and put more money in your pocket. As with most things, a little prevention goes a long way. And, on a nice cool summer evening, opening your windows and feeling the breeze can be one of summer's most enjoyable experiences.

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