When you turn on your air conditioning system, you should be able to count on it to cool your home down efficiently. If there is a leak somewhere in your home then it can make it more difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. It will also cause your system to work harder which can lead to repair issues and a larger energy bill. Learn about some of the common places for leaks so you can check around your home to rule out problems.
Check your attic access doors
If one of the access doors leading up to your attic is missing, doesn't fit properly or has a crack or hole in it, then you can be losing a lot of that cool air. In fact, this can be one of the more costly types of leaks since the roof can bring in a lot of heat from the sun and leaks can allow that hot air to come down into the house while allowing the cool air out.
Under your doors
Go around the house and take a peek underneath all your doors that lead outside. You want to make sure that you don't see any light coming through. If you do, then you should fix the problem right away to avoid any more loss of cool air. You can fix it by replacing your current door threshold with a slightly taller one.
Remove the current threshold and take measurements from the ground to the very bottom of the door. Also, measure the width of the doorway. Go to your local hardware store and purchase the right sized threshold. Once you install it, you will no longer see daylight coming from under the door and this means no more leaks.
Holes and cracks
Any holes or cracks in the walls of the house can allow a great deal of cool air to sneak out of the house. The problem is some of these holes and cracks can be very hard for you to spot if you aren't looking for them. Along with checking all the walls in the house, you should also take a look under all your cabinets. Pay attention to areas where plumbing comes in the home; this is a common area for cracks. Seal up any you find with plaster patch or caulk.
By paying attention to your home and looking for weaknesses, you can save yourself a lot of money on energy costs, all while keeping your home more comfortable. Click for more information.
My name is Maura, and I am certified in HVAC installation and repair. I have many clients who call me in a panic because they have turned on their air conditioners and nothing has happened. Your air conditioning technician will get to you as soon as possible, but there are some steps you can take while you are waiting. You might just find that you are able to fix the problem on your own, although you will still want to have a professional assess the situation. In this blog I will take you through some common reasons your air conditioner might not be working and show you some easy temporary solutions.