With hot summer weather just around the corner, now is the time to give your home a “check-up.” Here are six tips from the Comfort Institute to make sure your air conditioning bills don’t blow your cool!

1. Have your duct system tested for air leaks by an AC contractor and then seal them with a brushed on fiber-reinforced elastomeric sealant.

2. Ask your AC contractor to perform an Infiltrometer “blower door” test to pinpoint where your home’s worst air leaks are, such as duct leaks, and also measures how leaky the overall house is.

3. Close your fireplace damper. Shut it now or waste precious cool air all summer long!

4. Replace your air conditioner or heat pump air filter. Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation.

5. Have your air conditioner cleaned and tuned. It reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of summer and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation.

6. Consider replacing your old air conditioner or heat pump. Just like a car, central cooling equipment doesn’t last forever.

For more information on air conditioning and heating