With temperatures hovering around 90 degrees in the Dallas summer, your AC isn’t just a matter of comfort. The problem is that even though the thermostat is set between the recommended 75 and 78, it feels a lot hotter in your home. Even when you drop it down a few degrees, you just can’t break the heat. Is the problem your HVAC system, or is it something else?
At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we see Dallas window replacement as part of a more holistic approach to home maintenance. We also know that oftentimes, having an AC that can’t keep up with Dallas summer temperatures isn’t just about the HVAC. Read on as we look at these three potential sources of home cooling problems:
Your Windows Are Causing Energy Waste
You’ve stayed on top of your HVAC maintenance, and you know your HVAC system is working at full capacity. You’ve even checked to make sure that your AC unit is the right size for the space it’s cooling. Still, you can’t seem to keep your house cool. What could be the problem?
It’s time to take a closer look at your windows. Without proper insulation and energy-efficient features like double panes and a gas fill, your windows could be increasing your energy use by 25-30% as conditioned air escapes.
The Quick Fix: Adding New Weatherstripping to Your Windows
If you’re looking for a cheap, quick way to get air leaks under control, add adhesive-backed rubber weather strips or rope caulk to the bottom of your window frames. Make sure that your weatherstripping or rope caulk is wide enough and thick enough to plug the gaps that are creating air flow. Keep in mind that this solution could get you through a single season, but it’s not a permanent fix.
The Better Fix: Reducing Heat Gain
Can you naturally cool things down to reduce the load on your AC? Take a cue from those old southern home designs that helped keep homes cool long before residential AC was available. In addition to plugging the gaps around your window frames, use awnings to reduce heat gain and keep sun off your south-facing windows. If you’re looking for a more modern solution, add UV-blocking solar control film to your windows.
The Best Fix: Replacing Low-Efficiency Windows
Energy-efficient windows weren’t a topic of discussion until the 1970s. Since then, we’ve come a long way with things like gas fills, vinyl window frames, and other design elements that improve energy-efficiency. Talk to a Dallas window replacement company about upgrading your windows, whether you tackle all of them at once or start with the ones that are causing the most energy waste.
Your Vents and Filters Are Blocked
Some homeowners focus their maintenance efforts on the HVAC unit and don’t realize that the problem lies in a different part of the system. While it’s not likely the cause of major energy bill spikes or heating problems, vents and filters can take a toll on your home cooling capabilities if not properly maintained.
When was the last time you cleaned your vents or replaced your filters? Are any of your vents blocked by rugs or furnishings? Whether it’s dust or furniture blocking your vents, your AC is working harder than it should with a reduced capacity to really circulate air.
The Quick Fix: DIY Cleaning and Filter Replacement
Start by replacing your filters if you haven’t done so in the last three or four months. Make sure you’re using the right filter based on your HVAC manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s been a few years since you’ve last cleaned your air ducts, you can also take some DIY steps to improve the situation.
To do so, you’ll want to remove the vent covers (which you can deep clean separately) and use the hose attachment on your vacuum and clean rags to remove the dust and debris in the accessible parts of your air vents.
The Best Fix: Professional HVAC Cleaning
Every three to five years, consider investing in professional HVAC vent and duct cleaning. This is the safest and most thorough approach to refreshing this key component of your overall HVAC system. Some homeowners may need to invest in professional HVAC cleaning more often, particularly if they smoke indoors, have significant respiratory problems, or notice visible, rapid dust build-up.
Poor Insulation Is Adding to the Heat
Poor insulation in Dallas can have a similar effect on your AC’s cooling power as old windows. In other words, you’re losing conditioned air through areas like your attic and drafty walls. In the summer, you’re also not protected from heat gain without sufficient insulation.
In fact, one recent report estimated that 89% of all homes (including right here in Dallas) are under-insulated. Fortunately, that means that any efforts to better insulate your home will likely have a positive impact on your home cooling.
The Quick Fix: Air Sealing Your Home
When we’re talking about insulation, we are talking about that bulky material that you’ll find inside your walls. However, if adding new insulation to your home isn’t in your budget or doesn’t fit your schedule, you can start by air sealing your home using caulk and foam sealant. Thorough air sealing will eliminate a significant source of energy loss and heat gain. As an added bonus, it may even keep pests out!
The Best Fix: Getting Professional Insulation in Key Areas
If you’re looking to make a long-term investment that will cut your energy costs, keep your home more comfortable in summer and winter, and boost your property value, consider getting professional insulation. If you can only target a few areas, prioritize things like your attic access door, exterior walls, and the wall between your home and garage.
Are Outdated Windows Causing Energy Waste? Learn More About Dallas Window Replacement
Now you know that your HVAC system is only one component of your home’s cooling capabilities. With this guide, you can check these three key areas and decide between quick fixes and long-term fixes before summer rolls back around.
Just like our tub and shower solutions, our window replacement services here at ZINTEX are designed to balance form, function, and cost. We specialize in a vinyl window frame that we really believe in. Learn more about the benefits of vinyl window frames to get one step closer to your Dallas window replacement.
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