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.

It's Not Too Late To Get in The Vegetable Garden

June in Connecticut offers a unique opportunity for gardeners to plant a variety of vegetables that thrive in the warm, early summer climate. With the last frost safely behind, it's time to get your hands dirty and your garden flourishing. Here’s a guide to some of the best vegetables to plant in your garden this month.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a classic garden staple and June is an excellent time to plant them in Connecticut. The warm soil and increasing temperatures provide ideal conditions for these sun-loving plants. Whether you prefer cherry tomatoes, beefsteak, or heirlooms, make sure to plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Staking or caging your tomato plants will help support their growth and keep the fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of disease.

Peppers

Peppers, both sweet and hot varieties, thrive when planted in June. Connecticut's warm summer days and slightly cooler nights are perfect for pepper plants. Bell peppers, jalapeños, and even exotic varieties like habaneros can be planted now. Ensure they receive full sunlight and regular watering, but be careful not to overwater, as peppers prefer their soil to dry out between waterings.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another excellent choice for a June planting in Connecticut. These fast-growing vines love the heat and can produce a bountiful harvest throughout the summer. You can plant them directly in the garden or start them indoors earlier in the spring and transplant them in June. Trellising cucumbers will save space and make harvesting easier while reducing the risk of disease.

Zucchini and Summer Squash

Zucchini and other summer squash varieties are known for their prolific nature and are perfect for planting in June. These plants require plenty of sunlight and space to spread out. They thrive in Connecticut’s climate, quickly producing a large harvest that can be enjoyed in numerous summer dishes. Regular harvesting encourages further production, ensuring you have a steady supply of fresh squash throughout the season.

Beans

Both bush and pole beans can be planted in June and will yield a generous harvest. Beans are relatively easy to grow and do well in our summer weather. Bush beans do not require support, making them simpler to manage, while pole beans need trellises or stakes. Ensure your bean plants receive full sun and regular watering for the best results.

Carrots

Carrots can be sown directly into the garden soil in June. These root vegetables prefer loose, well-drained soil and a sunny location. Although they take a bit longer to mature, the sweet, crisp carrots harvested later in the season are worth the wait. Thinning the seedlings is crucial to ensure each carrot has enough space to grow properly.

Leafy Greens

Although typically associated with cooler weather, certain leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and spinach can still be planted in June. These greens can tolerate Connecticut’s summer heat if they receive partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Regular watering and harvesting the outer leaves will keep these plants producing throughout the summer.

Gardening during June is both rewarding and productive. By planting a diverse range of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, beans, carrots, and leafy greens, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all summer long. Don’t forget to include a selection of herbs to elevate your cooking and support your garden’s ecosystem. Happy gardening!

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.

Summer Humidity Can Cause Problems in the Home

Even with all this rain, it won’t be long before summer weather is in full swing.

With New England's heat also comes humidity, a potential problem that every homeowner needs to keep in check. While we can’t control the weather outside, moisture inside can be a major problem, contributing to mold, mildew, and overall dampness, especially in the attic and basement. 

Many homeowners combat humidity by using air conditioners in their houses, and while they can reduce the moisture in the air to some degree, this is by no means their primary function. An air conditioner works by sucking the air from your home, cooling it, and blowing it back into the house. That process does reduce the humidity slightly, but pairing your air conditioner with a dehumidifier is a much smarter option.

A dehumidifier works by pulling the moisture out of the air and storing the excess water in a holding tank. Many people keep dehumidifiers in their basements all year to control the dampness that can often be felt in these underground areas. This is a great idea because controlling the humidity in the part of your home that holds the most water will likely help regulate the rest of the house.  

One way to know if your house holds a lot of moisture is to purchase a simple five-dollar humidity gauge from the local hardware store. Ideally, you want the humidity to be under 50 percent. If it’s higher, you might want to consider using a dehumidifier in the main part of your home, especially on hot summer days and in areas where you spend the most time. 

In addition to cooling the air and decreasing moisture, running a dehumidifier during the hottest parts of the hottest days can also prevent mold and mildew growth, eliminate musty odors in the home, and prevent old pipes from sweating. Plus, you can use the water collected in the tank to give your plants a good drink. 

If you’re thinking that a dehumidifier might be a good solution for you, they come in different sizes and can be used for residential or commercial purposes. Generally, a unit will come in 25, 30, and 40-pint models, and on average a 25-pint unit will be sufficient to operate in a 1,000-square-foot area.

Dehumidifiers generally run on about half the energy of an air conditioning unit, so as long as you don’t run them all day, using one shouldn’t affect your energy bill. Just keep windows and doors closed when you run your unit, and only switch the power on during the most humid time of the day, or when the air is above 50 percent humidity. Also, be aware that dehumidifiers by nature are drying, so try not to run them while you’re occupying the room over a long period of time, like when you’re sleeping at night.

Finally, if you have a dehumidifier, be sure to keep the filter clean. Dust, dirt, and debris can build up, preventing air from flowing freely and potentially circulating mold spores throughout the home. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and spray bottle filled with a cleaning solution will do the trick to keep you breathing freely and ensure a longer life for your appliance.

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.