Working From Home? Here's How to Stay Cool During the Summer
Due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, more than 5 million Canadians transitioned to working from home. Are you among these remote workers this summer?
Most newly remote workers report that they are satisfied with their telecommuter status, but working from home can feel like a hassle in the sweltering heat of summer. Read on to learn how to prepare your environment in order to stay cool while you focus on your remote work tasks.
Why leave your home to the hands of a sub-par HVAC contractor? Call CE Plumbing & Heating today at 250-707-8285 and see why we’re the A/C company Kelowna homeowners trust most.
Prepare Your AC
How often have you used your air conditioning system in summers’ past?
If you worked outside the home, chances are you turned off your HVAC system to save on cooling costs while you were out. Now that you’ll be staying home more often than not, you need to keep your AC running as much as possible without a significant hike to your ELECTRICITY BILL.
Do You Have An Adequate HVAC System?
Of course, if you use your air conditioning more often than in previous years, you should expect an increase in utility payments. However, the cost to cool your home largely depends on how efficient your HVAC system is.
If you don’t yet have an HVAC system and you rely on window unit air conditioners instead, expect your electricity bill to be significantly higher in the summer months. However, you can offset this cost by installing a new, energy-efficient HVAC system throughout your home instead.
This year, since you are likely to spend the majority of your time at home, you can justify the upfront expense of upgrading your air conditioning. If you choose this route, make sure that your new system is energy-efficient. Hire an HVAC expert to do the installation to avoid any costly repairs to your home or the system itself if installed incorrectly.
Is Your HVAC Well-Maintained?
If you already have an HVAC system in your home, is it well-maintained?
there is more to adequate HVAC maintenance than simply putting a cover on the outdoor compressor and dusting your vents off every summer.
Preventive AC maintenance ensures that you are less likely to be met with astronomical emergency HVAC repair expenses down the line. Here is a helpful HVAC maintenance checklist to keep you on track:
- Change your HVAC filters regularly (every 2-3 months)
- Have your air ducts professionally cleaned at least once a year
- Hire an HVAC professional for a general maintenance overview at least once a year
If you have your HVAC inspected by a professional prior to using it this summer, you can avoid issues such as hot air blowing through your vents or the compressor not working to capacity.
Prepare Your Plumbing
In order to keep cool as you work from home this year, you also need an adequate plumbing system. Whether you drink more water or take showers more frequently, your plumbing system will be taxed more often during the summer than in any other season. If you have not done so already, ensure that your pipes can handle the onslaught of usage before you settle in to work.
Are Your Pipes Working Well?
How have your water pipes fared after this year’s snowy season?
Make sure that your pipes are in great shape by hiring a professional to inspect them. You may be dealing with leaks or corrosion without even knowing that your plumbing is compromised.
As part of your plumbing maintenance check, make sure that your faucets are inspected and that your drainage system is adequate, too. Plugged up drains, leaky faucets, or burst pipes can significantly hinder your work from home plans, especially if you have to accommodate emergency plumbing appointments.
Any Water Line Issues?
If your home’s pipes are in ship shape but your plumbing problems persist, you may have water line damage. Since the main pipe that brings water to your home is located underground, the damage may not be obvious until it causes significant flooding in front of or throughout your home.
Before you rely more heavily on your plumbing this summer, ask an expert to inspect your water line to rule out any corrosion, holes, or cracks.
Prepare Your Environment for Working From Home
Decrease Humidity
The heat of the summer would not be so unbearable if the level of humidity wasn’t high as well. While your HVAC system can dehumidify your home reasonably well, there are some additional tips you can employ to improve your air quality.
For instance, you can place dehumidifiers strategically throughout your home. Depending on the size and layout of your house, a single dehumidifier may do the trick.
Also, you can arrange charcoal briquettes in baskets throughout your home. Charcoal is a natural dehumidifying material, and it only takes a few hours to reduce the moisture in the air.
Dim the Lighting
If you want your home to stay cool, reduce the heat by dimming your lights and using your cooktop less often. The less energy and light used throughout your home, the more you can keep each room at a consistent temperature. This strategy will also help you cut down on HVAC usage.
Also, reduce the amount of natural light that seeps into your home by drawing your blinds and curtains. If possible, use block-out curtains in spaces such as your bedroom and den in order to entirely obscure the sunlight.
Staying Cool Isn't Hard to Do
Keeping your home at an ideal, comfortable temperature this summer does not have to be a chore. In fact, with some preparation and forethought, working from home in a cool environment does not have to stretch your budget much, either.
Ensure productive workdays with ample focus and a cool environment before the temperatures rise any further. Schedule an appointment today for your cooling or plumbing needs. We proudly service the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
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