In the hot summer months, use an attic fan to draw hot air out of the attic. Use a whole-house fan to draw fresh air in through windows and exhaust it out roof vents.
House Fans
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HVAC
Seasoned Wood
When wood is stacked outdoors with good air circulation in a spot that’s dry, sunny and open for about six months it will be dry enough to support efficient combustion. Seasoned wood has a higher heating value than green wood. In general, because of its moisture content, a cord of green wood will weigh 70 to 100 percent more than seasoned wood.
Gable Vents
Gable vents help heat escape and help keep condensation from forming in the attic during winter months.
Cooling Curtains
To help keep your house cool, close curtains on south- and west-facing windows. You may also consider installing awnings on these windows.
Room to Breathe
Air conditioners need room to take in and exhaust air and should have at least 18 inches of clearance from furniture, plants, and drapes. If the air cannot circulate around the unit, heat may build up and cause damage to the coils.
Chimney Damage
Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood or lightning strike, have your chimney inspected for damage, inside and out. This includes checking for cracks and fallen bricks.
Radon Test Device Placement
Radon testing device(s) should be placed in the lowest level of the home suitable for occupancy. This means testing in the lowest level (such as a basement), which a buyer could use for living space without renovations. The test should be conducted in a room to be used regularly (like a family room, living room, playroom, den or bedroom); do not test in a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or hallway. Usually, the buyer decides where to locate the radon test, based on their expected use of the home. A buyer and seller should explicitly discuss and agree on the test location to avoid any misunderstanding. Their decision should be clearly communicated to the person performing the test.
Whole-House Fans
Whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. They are effective when operated at night and when the outside air is cooler than the inside.
Ceiling Fan Heating
During winter, a ceiling fan can move heat trapped near the ceiling back into the living area. This is especially valuable in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings. Remember to run your ceiling fan counter-clockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter.
Home Weatherizing
Insulation and air-sealing improvements to the shell of your home will always improve your comfort, regardless of the size and type of heating system installed. Weatherization may also allow the installation of a smaller, more economical heating system.
