Insulation is a Year Round Investment

As summer heat peaks, many homeowners are grateful for the cool comfort provided by their air conditioning. However, running the A/C non-stop can lead to high energy bills, especially if your home isn’t properly insulated.

While most people associate insulation with winter, it’s just as beneficial during the summer. Remember from school science class how heat rises? This means that your top floor and attic are naturally warmer than the lower floors. Without insulation, your attic can become much hotter than the outdoor temperature. If you touch your ceiling and it feels warm, imagine how hot it is above it.

Insufficient insulation forces your air conditioning units to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Whether you have central air or window units, they are straining to cool your home, which spikes your energy costs.

Improving your home’s insulation can make a significant difference. The attic is a prime area for insulation upgrades due to its large space and extreme temperature variations. Although it’s often overlooked because we don’t spend much time there, adding insulation in the attic can be a cost-effective home improvement. Options include blowing loose fiberglass under the floor or laying batts between the floor joists. The best choice depends on your home’s size, attic clearance, and usage. A well-insulated attic not only reduces energy costs but also increases your home’s resale value.

In addition to the attic, sealing gaps around windows and doors helps keep cool air inside. Check your door sweeps and replace them if necessary, and use caulk or sealing tape on windows. This practice will benefit you now and in the winter when you’re trying to retain warm air.

For those with window A/C units, insulating around them is crucial. Use flexible foam to create a good seal at the top and bottom of the unit. Ensure the side curtains are tight-fitting and securely anchored. Without proper insulation, your window A/C unit isn’t operating at full efficiency since much of the cool air escapes outside. Taking these extra steps ensures your A/C works effectively.

Another area to consider is your home’s walls. If your house is older, it may not have adequate wall insulation. Adding insulation to your walls can prevent heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. There are several methods for insulating walls, such as injecting foam insulation or using blown-in cellulose. These options can be a bit more invasive but are worth the investment for the long-term comfort and efficiency of your home.

Additionally, consider insulating your floors, especially if you have a basement or crawl space. Insulating these areas can reduce heat loss and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew issues. Foam board or rigid foam insulation works well for this purpose and can be installed relatively easily.

Don’t forget about your ductwork. If your home has central air conditioning, ensuring your ducts are well-insulated can prevent energy loss as the cool air travels from the unit to various parts of your home. Leaky or uninsulated ducts can lose up to 30% of the cooling energy, making your system work harder and increasing your energy bills. Sealing and insulating your ducts can improve efficiency and enhance overall comfort.

Lastly, consider the benefits of radiant barriers. These are reflective materials installed in attics to reduce heat gain during the summer. Radiant barriers work by reflecting radiant heat away from your home, helping to keep indoor temperatures down. This is particularly beneficial in hot climates where the sun’s intensity can significantly impact indoor comfort.

Investing in insulation is a smart move for homeowners looking to improve comfort and reduce energy bills year-round. By addressing key areas like the attic, windows, doors, walls, floors, and ductwork, you can create a more energy-efficient home that stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The initial investment in insulation will pay off through lower energy costs and increased home value.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Tackling Summer Window Condensation

You’ve probably noticed those pesky water droplets forming on your windows as summer humidity rises. It’s not just an eyesore—it can also be a sign of underlying issues within the home. 

Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cooler surface—like your window glass. During summer, the air inside your home is usually cooler (thanks to your trusty air conditioner) while the air outside is hot and humid. This temperature difference causes moisture to condense on the cooler inside surface of your windows. Here are a few reasons why you might see more condensation:

1. High Humidity Levels: Summer air can hold a lot more moisture, especially in places like Connecticut where it's humid in the summer and dry in the winter.

2. Poor Ventilation: Without proper airflow, moisture has nowhere to go, leading to higher humidity inside your home.

3. Inefficient Windows: Older or single-pane windows might not provide the best insulation, causing the inside surface of the glass to get cool enough for condensation to form.

Why is condensation a problem? While a bit of condensation might seem harmless, it can actually lead to a few issues, such as:

• Mold and Mildew: Excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can damage your home and harm your health.

• Damage to Windows and Frames: Prolonged exposure to moisture can warp or rot wooden frames, damage seals, and reduce the lifespan of your windows.

• Reduced Visibility: Condensation can make it difficult to see clearly through your windows, affecting your view and natural light.

Now that we know what’s causing the problem, let’s dive into some solutions. Here’s how you can reduce and even prevent condensation on your windows:

1. Improve Ventilation: Make sure your home has good airflow. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider a dehumidifier if humidity is a persistent problem. Opening windows when it’s not too humid outside can also help.

2. Upgrade Your Windows: If you’re still dealing with single-pane windows, it might be time to upgrade. Double or triple-pane windows with insulating gas between the panes can significantly reduce temperature differences and condensation.

3. Seal Leaks: Check for and seal any leaks around your windows and doors. This can help keep humid air outside where it belongs.

4. Use Blinds and Drapes Wisely: While it’s tempting to keep blinds and drapes closed to block out the sun, this can actually trap heat and humidity. Try to keep them open when possible to allow air to circulate.

5. Maintain Indoor Plants: Houseplants are great, but they can add to indoor humidity. If you have a lot of plants, consider moving some outside or to a well-ventilated area.

6. Regular Maintenance: Keep your windows in good shape by regularly checking seals, cleaning them, and ensuring there’s no damage to the frames or glass.

Remember, a little attention goes a long way in keeping your windows—and your home—in great shape. Stay cool and dry this summer!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Keep Your Home Cooler with These Tips

When the weather gets too hot to handle, many homeowners simply crank up their air conditioning to stay comfortable. But what people may not realize is that the combination of cold air and high humidity could lead to leaks. So what can you do to stay cool without putting your home at risk? Here are some tips: 

Keep the filter clean. 

A dirty filter can cut your air conditioner’s efficiency in half, so be sure to replace or wash it at least once a month during the summer. Not only will a clean filter enable more cold air to come through the unit, but it will also decrease the amount of pollen, dander, and even mold that you could be breathing in. Many people don’t know that air conditioning units are rated by their MERV, which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value or, more simply, the effectiveness of the filter. MERV ratings are between one and 20, with most home air conditioning units rating between one and 12. If you’re in the market for a new filter, choose one at the top of the scale as it can trap smaller particles and protect your home from mold spores, dust mites, and other nasty contaminants. 

Make sure your windows are leak-free. 

Window A/C units are tough to fit and often result in large gaps where the hot air outside can come in. Make sure all the space around the air conditioner is sealed up tight with foam for bigger gaps or simple foil tape for smaller areas. The materials you’ll need can all be found at the local hardware store and you’ll be shocked by the difference in air temperature by just plugging up those holes. 

Run the unit on a timer.

There is no point running your A/C on high when you’re at work or away for the weekend. A digital timer will lower the unit’s output when you’re not at home, and then bring the house to a comfortable level by the time you walk in the door. By programming a timer to your preferences, you can lengthen the life of the unit and lower your energy bills without noticing a difference in the level of comfort. If you don’t rely on Alexa, you can buy a smart plug for your outlet to control your A/C from your phone.

Up your insulation.

If your attic isn’t properly insulated, it’s going to be a sauna up there. You don’t even need to go up to check - you can tell simply by touching your ceiling. If it feels hot, then imagine how hard it is for a window unit or even central A/C to compete. A well-insulated and ventilated attic will ensure that hot air can escape while keeping cool air circulating in the living areas of the home. Plus, proper insulation comes in mighty handy during the cold months of the year. 

Watch for leaks. 

Central air conditioning units are notorious for leaks for three reasons: a cracked or broken drain pan, a clogged air filter, or a plugged-up condensate line. If water can’t drain properly, it will end up in your ceiling or walls which can cause serious and expensive damage. If you see even the smallest leak, shut down the unit and inspect these three areas. A simple fix might save you thousands in damage if you act quickly. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.