How to Pick the Right Air Conditioning System for Your Home

swamp-coolerThankfully, today we have many options when it comes to cooling our homes. If you are wondering if it is time to upgrade to a new kind of cooling system, you’re going to have a lot of options. However, they may not all be as effective for your particular needs. Let’s take a look at a few tips that will make it a lot easier to keep cool this summer.

Central Air Conditioning –

If you already have central heating, or your house has ducts, this is a great choice, especially if you live in a very hot area. Window air conditioners are typically overwhelmed by these conditions and you have to run multiple units instead of just one to keep your whole house cool. A unit may cost a lot at the beginning, but you will be saving more money over time in energy costs and your house will be a lot cooler.

Window Air Conditioning –

If you have a very small space to cool, or you live in an area that is not terribly hot, this is a great solution. In this case, central air may be a bit of overkill, while a simple window unit that you can turn on and off as needed may work a lot better. Just make sure that the unit is properly fitted to your windows for the best energy efficiency.

Swamp Coolers –

These units have been around for awhile, but there were not always as popular in some parts of the country as others. They are a bit more eco-friendly, since they function by sucking in the warm humid air and condensing it into vapor which then cools the house or room. They do not work very well in dry climates, and when compared to central air, they certainly don’t match up. However, if you live in a very humid area, or you only occasionally need cooling, this can be a great choice.

Unico System –

This is a fairly new type of air conditioning system that is commonly used in older homes or homes that do not have any duct work. They are pretty expensive, but they are also very effective. Typically, you have the main unit installed in an attic and properly vented. Then, pipes are run through the home and placed in strategic spots around the room. The cold air is filtered through the pipes and cools the house. If you are really wanting to get central air, but you don’t want to have to install duct work throughout, this is a great solution.

Fans –

The old tried and true still works pretty well, especially if you can put a bowl of ice in front of it. If you are trying to save on money, or your area doesn’t get very hot a simple fan may be all that you need. When coupled with the right kind of exhaust system, they can also be placed in windows to suck in cool night air to cool your house down.

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What’s In Your Crawlspace?

crawlspaceMost of today’s homes have crawl spaces, but few of us ever venture up there. No one really likes to think of crawling up into that tight space, but there may be a few reasons to consider it. It is important to schedule an annual checkup for your crawlspace, since this can help you spot potential signs of trouble and get them stopped before they become larger issues. Let’s take a look at how to inspect your crawlspace for a very common problem and how to fight it.

If you live in a humid area, or your area gets a lot of rain, you may notice a mildew smell in the house that you can’t get rid of. Chances are, your crawlspaces have become damp and the mildew is forming up there. It is important to get rid of this problem as quickly as possible, since mold could also be forming inside that crawlspace. Take this opportunity to check your crawlspace and see what is going on up there.

Once you’ve determined that your crawlspace is indeed a bit damp, there are a few things that you will need to do. First, it is important to ventilate the area. Most crawlspaces are closed up all year round and little air can circulate through there. This creates the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew spores. If your home does not have a vent, you will need to install one.

You can find appropriate vents at your local hardware store, and the process of installing them is quite easy. Locate a spot on an exterior wall and cut a hole through to the outside. Place the vent in, and properly secure it. You now have a way to get rid of that moisture buildup!

This will help, but you may also need to see what is causing dampness in your crawlspace. If the mildew is not severe, it may just be the side effect of living in a moist climate. If it is severe, chances are you may have a leak. You will need to inspect all the walls inside that crawlspace and look for any leaks that may be occurring. If you do find a leak, repair it immediately. Overtime, this can lead to serious water damage on your ceilings and walls.

Lastly, it is a very good idea to completely clean out your crawlspace. If you are storing excess insulation or even household items up there, remove them and find a new storage space. Insulation is a particularly nasty culprit when it comes to mildew and can be the source of a lot of mildew odor problems. If your crawlspace is permanently smelly, get fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier. Install this throughout the crawlspace, with the vapor barrier facing the top of the crawlspace. This will help keep the odors inside the space instead of in your home. This is a great solution if the damage has already been done and you need to get rid of the smell of mildew in your home.

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