The old joke about summer in Washington is that it never really begins until after the Fourth of July. Well, the heat is finally here; time to dust off the fans, draw the shades and sweat out that week of seemingly unbearable temperatures. Or, you could go another route, one that will leave you prepared for years to come.
Chehalis Sheet Metal has been helping Western Washington residents stay cool since 1962.The local company offers a range of services including systems to cool your home. CSM’s Sharon Tisler believes the company’s longevity is largely due to service. “I can’t think of a time that we haven’t bent over backwards to do what it takes.”
Doing what it takes starts with a free estimate. The professionals at Chehalis Sheet Metal will help you choose the right type of heating and cooling system for your home. There are multiple factors that determine the proper unit but the biggest is house size. A small air conditioner placed in a large home will not produce the desired results. In situations like these, the air conditioner ends up running continuously which can dramatically decrease the unit’s lifespan.
More and more people are choosing to go with a ductless heat pump. These units are smaller, more efficient and have the added benefit of being able to heat as well as cool. The US Department of Energy estimates 30% of energy generated by traditional duct systems is either wasted or lost. In our area the benefits come during the winter when you’re running the heater for long periods of time.
Ductless systems cost about the same as traditional units and may even be cheaper if you qualify for rebates. There’s a program running right now that can save you up to $1500 if you have a cadet or baseboard heater. The exact figure may vary but the team at CSM can walk you through the finer points and can even help with financing.
Making the investment in a heating and cooling system is rendered moot if you don’t care for it properly. “Your system needs to be maintained just like a car,” says Tisler. Chehalis Sheet Metal offers different plans to meet your needs and budget. The upfront costs are negligible when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. “Instead of a seven year system or a 10-year system you end up with a 15-year system,” says Tisler. The added benefit of routine maintenance is that it keeps your warranty valid.
Air conditioning is a great first step if you’re looking to beat the heat. A second step might be replacing or repairing your roof. A standard, dark colored roof can reach temperatures of 150 degrees in the summer. A cool roof utilizes materials that reflect sunlight off the house. The effect is a roof surface that can be 50 degrees cooler.
Of course, getting your roof fixed means performing an inspection. You can have this done by the team at Chehalis Sheet Metal. The professionals will be looking for cracked, curled or missing shingles and checking for shingle granules in your gutters. Water stains may also be a sign that your roof needs fixing. If you don’t want the hassle contact CSM and a professional will do the heavy lifting for you.
“As far as roofing, now is the time to get it put on,” says Tisler referencing the warm summer months. The rationale makes sense when understand the role heat plays in helping a new roof settle. “When it gets hot like this the tar adheres better to the shingles,” says Tisler.
Excessive heat is rare in Western Washington. When it arrives, we seek out any kind of relief whether that’s the shade of a tree or tepid water of a kiddie pool. It doesn’t have to be this way. The respite you’re looking for can be your own home.
To find out more visit the Chehalis Sheet Metal website or call (800)201-9221 or (855) 659-4328.
