Summer fun is around the corner! Don’t let last year’s high summer energy bills affect this summer. There are many ways to help manage your summer energy bills that aren’t difficult! Here are a few simple things you can do today to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.

1. TURN ON CEILING FANS. Running your ceiling fans help circulate the cooled air that’s in your home – and creates a slight breeze to make your home comfortable. Have a bath fan? Consider running this or adding a timer. Bath fans help pull humid air out of your home, helping to keep it even more comfortable.
2. TUNE UP YOUR HVAC SYSTEM. Your HVAC system may not be running efficiently. Schedule a service appointment with a qualified contractor. Don’t forget to replace your furnace filter! Does your home have a programmable thermostat? Setting a programmable thermostat to a higher setting during the day can save roughly ten percent on annual energy bills.
3. SEAL AIR LEAKS. Sealing air leaks helps keep cool air in and warm air out. Once air leaks are sealed this pays off year round by keeping cold winter air out and warm air in. Contact our office to schedule an estimate for air sealing.
4. GRILL OUT. You can help keep your home cool by cooking on an outdoor grill rather than in the kitchen. This is an easy way to reduce stress on your HVAC system and have some summer fun!
5. SEAL AIR DUCTS. If the ducts in your home are leaking, conditioned air has a hard time getting to the rooms in your house. This can result in uneven temps in your home and adjusting the thermostat, which can affect energy bills.

Don’t let another summer go by with high energy bills. Try some of these tips. Contact our office with questions on these tips or to schedule a free air sealing estimate.

At Southland Insulators, it has always been our goal to give back to our military community. With Memorial Day upon us, we humbly thank the brave souls and their families who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Over the years we have been provided several opportunities to give back to current and former military members. These contributions have ranged from labor and material donations to building projects, to providing an Action Track Chair to a wounded veteran.  We would like to thank the following organizations for the opportunity to donate to their causes over the years.

• Bull Run Warrior Retreat 
• Gary Sinise Foundation
• Homes for Our Troops 
• The Independence Fund
• Operation Finally Home

We would also like to thank our vendor partners for their additional support, including Icynene, Johns Manville, and CertainTeed Saint-Gobain.

The story of American sacrifice continues each day, allowing each of us to live free in this country. This Memorial Day we wish you an enjoyable time with family and friends. We also hope you take time to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday.

From everyone at Southland Insulators, Happy Memorial Day!
God Bless the United States of America!

Do you or a family member suffer from asthma or asthma-related attacks? It’s estimated that 26 million Americans are affected by asthma or asthma-related conditions.

Research shows asthma attacks are directly linked to air quality. The lungs of asthma sufferers are extra sensitive to triggers like pollen, dust, mold, chemicals in the air, and more. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) estimates that the average person receives 72 percent of their exposure to poor air quality in their own home. When considering the significant amount of time we spend indoors, indoor air quality becomes even more important for those with breathing issues (and for everyone).

Air sealing your home can help improve indoor air quality. Air sealing keeps outside pollutants out of the home. This allows indoor air to be controlled and properly ventilated to help reduce asthma triggers inside your home.

Spray foam insulation is a great option to both insulate and seal air leaks. Spray foam provides an exceptional air seal, works as a thermal barrier (insulator) and helps control moisture issues. This improved air-tightness provides better control of indoor humidity, which reduces mold inside the home.

Have questions about your home’s indoor air quality? Contact our office to learn more.