Preparing your home for winter can be a daunting task. Even if you haven't had the time to check off everything on your cold weather to-do list, it's not too late! Your efforts will keep out the cold, keep money in your pocket through energy savings and keep your home running efficiently. 

Here are six ways to winterize your home this season.

Maintain machines and Appliances

Having your furnace and ventilation system serviced by a professional can prevent potential emergency calls when the temperature drops.

For improved air quality throughout your home, have your ducts cleaned annually before the onset of cold weather. Outdoor air conditioning units should be covered properly and their power disconnected during the off-season. While you’re at it, cover any lawn furniture or landscaping that will be exposed to the elements.

Conduct a thorough inspection on your yard tools too – drain fuel from your lawn mower and water from your pressure washer, and complete a maintenance check on your snowblower. This will prolong their lifespan and ensure they work efficiently when you need them. If you heat your home with wood, oil or propane, be sure to top up your supply before the cold months hit.

Seal Windows, Doors, Decks and Concrete 

If the caulking or weather stripping around your windows and doors is cracked, it can let cold air and moisture in, damaging window sills while causing mildew, mold and significant heat loss. Repair and replace what is necessary and cover older windows with a protective window film until they can be replaced.

Decks, driveways and concrete surfaces are not impermeable. Purchase proper sealants or stains that you can apply yourself before ice and snow arrives, or hire a professional. Preserving the integrity of these large surfaces will only serve you in the long run, saving you from major repairs or full replacements.

Outside Water

Before draining your pipes, disconnecting hoses or winterizing your sprinkler system, always turn off the outside water supply. Leaving the outside water on during winter can cause pipes to burst, leading to flooding and damage to your property. If you haven’t already, you may want to consider insulating your water pipes, especially if you leave a summer home unattended off-season or vacation for extended periods of time in the winter months.

Check your Gutters

Make sure the gutters are in good condition and properly secured to your home. Prevent damage by clearing out debris to allow snow to melt and drain easily, and point the downspout away from your home. Water should always be moving away from your property to avoid flooding and water damage.

Gutter guards are a worthy investment, as they can help to keep debris and pests out. Clogged gutters can result in leaks that lead to mold and mildew, and act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria.

Tend to the Attic

Pests can cause damage to your home and your health. Safeguard your attic from birds and rodents who may move in during the winter by checking for access points and placing a screen under any vent. Contact pest control if you suspect an infestation.

To keep warm air from escaping through your roof, determine the R-Value of your current attic insulation and add more to areas not properly insulated, or completely replace the insulation if needed. For added warmth and energy efficiency, you can add insulation to your garage doors and basement.

Inspect your Smoke Detectors

This important task is not limited to just one season… Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, replacing batteries and cleaning them when necessary. Smart home devices can be installed to continuously monitor smoke detectors (and much more), providing added peace of mind.

If some of these tasks are not within your skillset or you simply don’t have the time, hire a general contractor for the small jobs and a certified technician for specialized tasks. Whoever does the job, it will be worth it to keep cozy and warm all winter long!

As we quickly approach the Holiday Season with less than 7 days before Christmas, I wanted to take the time to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. I hope you are enjoying your time with family and friends. I know it's a time of parties, festivities and get-togethers with friends and families and the fun never stops. But, our team also likes to take the time to help out those in need in my community. I'm so proud of my team for all of their hard work with the coat drive for the homeless and the food bank drive in Newmarket, Tottenham & Stouffville. We collected over 200 coats and warm clothes for those in need and everyone in our neighbourhoods donated over 900 lbs of food to the local food banks.

I know that the Real Estate Market has been like a roller coaster over the past few year with prices and activity going up and down and then up and down again. On top of that, the last 21 months saw the Bank of Canada rapidly increase its policy rate from 0.25% in March 2022 to 5%, bringing higher prime rates and variable and adjustable mortgage rate. That was in response to a high inflation rate, reaching a 30 years high of 8.1% in June 2022, which brought one of the most aggressive interest rate hikes in Canada's history. Inflation has cooled since June 2022 and reached 3.1% in November 2023. The path to lower inflation has been painful for debt holders and those with Variable Rate Mortgages. But, the banks are now starting to offer some lower rates with hopefully a reduction in the Bank of Canada rate by the Spring of 2024.

According to the November 2023 Market Watch Report, sales were down on a year-over-year basis while listings were up. With more choices for buyers, selling prices remained basically flat year-over-year. The average selling price was down 2.2% month-over-month but it some areas, such as Georgina, it was down by 5.66%. The higher that prices increased in an area, the more of a drop in price you will see.

There have been some major changes in the real estate industry, which I will go over in later blogs. All of these changes are for the benefit of the consumer and to raise to level of professionalism in our industry.

Once again, Happy Holidays from all of us at the Jill Renshaw Real Estate Team!

- Jill Renshaw, Broker

On November 21st, the Government of Canada unveiled its 2023 Fall Economic Statement, an annual fiscal report that provides an update on the state of the Canadian economy and the government’s plans for future spending. The report – acutely focused on Canada’s housing affordability and supply crisis – announced new funding for the creation of more affordable housing and purpose-built rental units. New rules regarding the mortgage stress test were also unveiled.

For Canadians planning to buy a home or rent a property in the near future, these initiatives will lead to the creation of some much-needed housing supply in some of the country’s most expensive regions.

Here’s what you need to know about housing initiatives announced in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement:

The Canadian Mortgage Charter – Since interest rates started to rise in March 2022, many variable-rate mortgage holders have faced fast-rising monthly payments and, in some cases, negative amortization as interest payments outpace their mortgage principal. Thousands of Canadians will also be required to renew their mortgage at a much higher interest rate in the next two years compared to the ultra-low rates offered during and just prior to the pandemic. In light of these financial challenges, the federal government has put forward new measures for financial institutions to provide Canadian borrowers with mortgage relief options.

The Charter includes:

• Permitting temporary extensions of mortgage amortizations
• Waiving fees that would have previously applied for relief measures
• Dropping the requirement for insured mortgage holders to requalify under the insured minimum qualifying rate (stress test) when switching lenders at the time of their mortgage renewal
• Requiring lenders to contact homeowners four to six months prior to their mortgage renewal to inform them of their financial options
• Giving homeowners at risk the ability to make lump sum payments to avoid negative amortization, or sell their principal residence without any prepayment penalties
• Waiving interest on interest in the event that mortgage relief measures result in a temporary period of negative amortization
• New funds for affordable housing – In an effort to build more homes faster, the federal government has pledged billions of dollars in spending towards the creation of affordable and purpose-built rental housing. An additional $1 billion will be allocated over three years to non-profit, co-op, and public housing providers through the Affordable Housing Fund to build more than 7,000 new homes by 2028. The Co-operative Housing Development Program will also receive nearly $310 million in new funding.

Incentives for apartment builders – To encourage the creation of much-needed rental housing, the 2023 Fall Economic Statement outlines new funding for home builders. Starting in 2025-2026, the federal government says it has committed an additional $15 billion in funding for the Apartment Construction Loan Program, which provides low-cost financing to builders and developers. This top-up will support the creation of more than 30,000 additional new homes across Canada, bringing the government’s total goal to 101,000 new homes by 2031-2032.

Tax limitations on short-term rentals – With the demand for long-term housing options so high across Canada, the federal government is placing stricter measures on short-term rentals in the hopes of encouraging property owners to list their homes for sale or for longer leasing periods. The 2023 Fall Economic Statement introduced $50 million in funding over three years to support municipal enforcement of restrictions on short-term rentals. Additionally, income tax deductions for expenses incurred on short-term rental income will be denied in provinces and municipalities that have banned short-term rentals. This will also apply to short-term rental operators who are not compliant with provincial or municipal licensing, permitting, or registration requirements.

If you are curious about what the new housing initiatives will mean to you, please reach out! I'm happy to answer all your questions.

Last week we finished up our annual coat drive, collecting over 150 coats, along with cold weather accessories, for families in need in our local area. ⁠
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This collection of winter clothing, including many coats, hats, mittens + gloves, was donated by our neighbours, friends and the Royal Lepage RCR team. ⁠
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Our donation was graciously accepted by both Inn from the Cold Newmarket and Blue Door, and we are so happy to have helped both of these wonderful organizations in this small way. ⁠
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If you are looking to help out one of these amazing organizations, it's a super simple process. Visit their websites (links below) to learn more. ⁠

Inn from the Cold Newmarket

Blue Door

⁠Again, to all who donated- we are so very grateful. You have helped provide warmth to those in need in your community.

Family Trick-or-Treating on a Nature Trail

On Saturday, October 28th, one kilometer of the Dave Kerwin Trail becomes a ghostfest for the whole family. Children 10 and under and their families are invited to show up in their Hallowe'en costumes and walk the Trick-or-Treat Trail! There will be spooky decorations, animatronics, and actors in costume. Want to help make the magic happen? The Town of Newmarket is looking for volunteers to assist with setup, takedown, and handing out candy. (In Hallowe'en costume, of course.) Hope to see you there!

Details: 
Date: Saturday, October 28th, 2023 
Location: Dave Kerwin Trail (Entrance at the Environmental Park, 325 Woodspring Avenue) 
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
Note: This free event is held on a first come, first serve basis, and no pets are permitted.

Learn More

Three Great Ways To Save Money For Your First Home

It’s no secret that buying a house or condominium is a challenge these days. In addition to the cost of real estate, the Bank of Canada has been raising interest rates since March of 2022. Buyers are feeling the pinch these days and we wanted to show you some of the different ways to save money for your first home. 

When you’re saving money to buy a home, it makes sense to use the financial instrument that fits your circumstances. The best are TFSAs (Tax Free Savings Accounts), RRSP HBPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plan Home Buyer’s Plans) and FHSAs (First Home Savings Accounts). Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each. Talk to your financial advisor about which one is right for you. 

TFSA

In a Tax Free Savings Account, you invest your eligible contributions and use them to purchase whatever you like, including a home. Canadian residents of 18 years or older with a valid SIN can contribute up to $6,500 annually. 

Pros:
- There is no lifetime contribution limit. 
- Funds in the account grow tax-free. You can invest your down payment savings and will never be taxed on the returns.
- Unused contribution room can be carried forward. 

Cons: 
- Contributions are not tax deductible.

RRSP HBP

The Home Buyer’s Plan allows you to withdraw from your RRSP to buy or build a qualifying home. Canadian residents who have earned income and filed a tax return can contribute.

Pros: 
- You can withdraw up to $35,000. 
- Eligible contributions are tax deductible. 
- Within the plan, investments can grow tax deferred. 
- Unused contribution room can be carried forward.
- No lifetime contribution limit.

Cons:
- The funds must be paid to the RRSP over 15 years, beginning in the second year after withdrawal. If payments are not made on schedule, the withdrawal amount becomes taxable. 
- You cannot use the HBP if you are older than 71.

FHSA

Investments within a First Home Savings Account are used to purchase a home. Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 71 who are saving for their first home qualify.

Pros: 
- Funds in the account grow tax-free. 
- Eligible withdrawals do not need to be paid back. 
- Contributions are tax deductible.
- Qualifying withdrawals are not taxable.
- A FHSA can hold cash, GICs, and Mutual Funds.

Cons:
- The yearly contribution limit is $8,000.
- The lifetime contribution limit is $40,000. 
- You can only hold a FHSA for 15 years, until you turn 71, or the year following your first withdrawal. 
- Withdrawals not made to purchase a qualifying home are taxable.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, a family in need of a bigger home, or a downsizer thinking of the condo of your dreams, you need an experienced agent in your corner. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be happy to help you explore your options.

With Thanksgiving coming up this weekend I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and I hope you are all able to celebrate the abundance with family and friends.

I often get asked what the best time to sell a house is and as we all know the Real Estate Market has been up and down like a roller coaster the last few years. In recent times, we have witnessed the emergence of several factors that have brought about significant changes in the industry. From the impact of high interest rates and recently the increase in inventory plus the prevailing economic uncertainty, both buyers and sellers are facing new challenges and opportunities.

New listings were up strongly in October and that gives buyers more choices. With buyers having a wider range of options this can lead to a more competitive environment, as Sellers must work harder to attract potential buyers. Pricing strategies and property condition become crucial in order to stand out in a crowded market. On the flip side, buyers have an opportunity to negotiate better deals and find their ideal home with move choices.

According to the October 2023 Market Watch Report “The short and medium-term outlooks for the GTA housing market are very different. In the short term, the consensus view is that borrowing costs will remain elevated until mid-2024, after which they will start to trend lower. This suggests that we should start to see a marked uptick in demand for ownership housing in the second half of next year, as lower rates and record population growth spur an increase in buyers,” said TRREB President Paul Baron.

While the changing real estate market brings its fair share of challenges, it also presents exciting prospects for both buyers and sellers. High interest rates, increased inventory, and economic uncertainty require careful consideration and strategic planning. For buyers, it's important to explore various financing options and be patient in finding the right property. Sellers must focus on effective marketing and pricing strategies to make their homes stand out. Ultimately, adaptability and proactive decisions are key to thriving in this evolving real estate landscape.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and please don't hesitate to reach out if you would like a comprehensive report on your property value or if you are thinking of buying and we can discuss the best strategy for you in today's market.

The next Bank of Canada rate decisions will be on Tuesday, October 23.

- Jill Renshaw, Broker

Do you like to explore fire trucks and rescue vehicles? Do you enjoy coffee, donuts and hot dogs? Would you like to brush up on your fire safety knowledge, play games, and say hi to Sparky the Fire Dog? There's an event coming that's just right for you! 

Central York Fire Services is holding its annual Open House in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week. There will be games, prizes and fun for the whole family. Activities include morning coffee and donuts, BBQ hotdogs, Tim Horton Express Train, arts and crafts, fire safety wheel, vehicle rescue, fire trucks, prizes, games, "Sparky the Fire Dog", fire extinguisher demonstration, fire safety information and much more!

Details below:

Date: Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

Address: Station 4-5, 300 Earl Stewart Drive, Aurora

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

This popular event is sure to be fun for everyone. See you there!

Find out more HERE.

I can't believe that we are already in September and the leaves are starting to turn. This is a great time of year to get yourself ready for the changing seasons, clean up your flower beds and get those kids back to school or sent off to university.

As we head into the fall historically this is the time of year when we see a pick up in the real estate market for a few months before Christmas. The recent Bank of Canada announcement to hold the current Bank of Canada rate at 5% comes as the Canadian economy reported slow economic growth for the second quarter of 2023.

What does this mean for the real estate market? According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), higher borrowing costs, continued uncertainty about the economy and Bank of Canada decision making, and the constrained supply of listings resulted in fewer home sales in August 2023 compared to August 2022. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, sales and average price edged lower. In the short term, we will likely continue to see some volatility in terms of sales and home prices, as Buyers and Sellers wait for more certainty on the direction of borrowing costs and the overall economy,” said TRREB President Paul Baron.

In the York Region area we are seeing an increase in inventory and numerous price reductions from Sellers that need to sell. Prices may continue to move downward in the next few months as inventory increases and Buyers have more choice.

The fall market is a great opportunity for Buyers that have been sitting on the sidelines, and bidding wars may be a thing of the past. We are definitely moving into a more balanced market. Sellers should not wait any longer if they plan to sell as prices may be less next year. If you are buying and selling then whatever the market is doing will not have a huge effect on you.

Enjoy the rest of the fine weather and please don't hesitate to reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. We would be happy to discuss all of your options.

- Jill Renshaw, Broker

The next Bank of Canada rate decisions will be on Tuesday, October 23.

Experts share the upsides and downsides of owning a home on a corner lot

Let’s say you’ve found your dream home, but its location isn’t what you expected. You might have been looking for something set back from the road or at the end of a cul-de-sac. Instead, you’re contemplating a corner lot property.

“Having a corner lot home has its advantages and challenges,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo, a home insurance group. “While bigger is often seen as a luxury these days, do your homework to assess the size of your yard and willingness to invest time and effort into home maintenance tasks.”

Here’s what real estate experts say you should keep in mind when buying a home on a corner lot.

What is a corner lot? 

A corner lot is a plot of land at the intersection of two roads. 

“A corner lot is one that is on two adjoining streets, typically the streets run in the front and one side of the lot or home,” says Sarah Martin, vice president of sales at Stone Martin Builders. 

These homes will have more sidewalks, more yard frontage, and more visibility than neighboring lots. You could find that your corner lots sit in the middle of a neighborhood or at the top of a very busy street. In short, there are a range of locations for corner lots, each with their pros and cons. 

But all corner lots sit at intersections, and we’ll explore the factors that make this a good or bad choice depending on your preferences.

Corner Lot Features to Consider

There are definitely pros and cons to owning a corner lot, depending on how you view certain aspects of homeownership. Here’s a quick overview of the most common considerations buyers make when considering these types of properties.

More Yardwork

More yard means more yardwork, which can be a con depending on your situation.

“Corner lots tend to have larger yards, which could mean more work to maintain landscaping, lawns, and other debris,” Klosterman says. “If service providers like gardeners aren’t an option for you, be prepared to take on the extra work.” 

Of course that means more to mow, but don’t forget the winter months.

“It’s always recommended to consider the year-long weather and storms in the area, and necessary activities to prevent problems, such as plowing snow and ice or protecting the home against flooding or high winds,” Klosterman says.

More Traffic

Given their location, corner lots see a lot more traffic, which can be a problem for some buyers.

“It depends on the neighborhood where the home is located as to how much more traffic that could mean,” Martin says. “In a quiet, residential neighborhood there may not be much traffic impact at all, being on a corner lot.”

But if you know the area has more traffic in general, the corner lot will highlight that.

“The extra traffic could mean more noise, more light from headlights shining into the home, and less privacy,” Martin says.

Dean Sinibaldi, a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties, has seen that this increase in traffic also leads to more frequent crashes.

“I have personally witnessed multiple crashes at corner lots. I owned a home adjacent to a corner lot and have seen some fairly bad accidents due to drivers running stop signs of the intersecting streets,” he says.

If you’re unsure about how these factors might affect your home, check with your real estate agent.

“It’s important to talk to a home insurance provider like Hippo about the coverage and costs to insure a corner lot home. Depending on the location of the home, your annual premium for a home on a corner lot may cost more if the home is near a road or intersection,” Klosterman says.

Higher Visibility

Some buyers might be worried about the implications of higher visibility given a home’s corner location.

“Homes located on corner lots may be perceived as having higher risk for burglaries,” Martin says. “These homes have fewer neighbors surrounding them and are more accessible given access from two streets, but that also provides the homeowner with a bit more privacy.”

Still, you can mitigate those risks if you’re worried.

“Homeowners who have concerns might consider more lighting and security features to help ease their mind,” Martin adds.

More Attention

In addition to higher visibility to potential burglars, your corner lot will feature prominently in a neighborhood, and curb appeal (or lack thereof) will be more apparent.

“Some Realtors may agree ... corner lots are described as gateways to streets, cul-de-sacs, neighborhoods, and subject to more scrutiny. More often than not, [they’re also] held to a higher standard of appearance by the community HOA or neighborhood associations,” Sinibaldi says.

Of course, you might enjoy the limelight.

“At Stone Martin Builders, we find that those building a home on corner lots seem to like the creativity that the added yard space can offer when it comes to landscaping and gardening,” Martin says.

Additional Features of Corner Lots

Corner lots have a unique layout compared to other types of lots in a particular subdivision, Martin says. That could mean more options for layout and design of the property.

“Often homes on corner lots offer more design options than those that are built on a regular lot,” Martin says. “For example, corner lot homes could be designed with side-entry garages. This makes for great curb appeal, as the front of the home is not obscured by front-entry garages.”

Plus, the larger lot offers more opportunity for outdoor features the buyer can add later.

“The extra land space of a corner lot can also mean more options outside, such as room for a pool and play equipment for kids,” Martin says.

You might also find that your home’s interior is affected by its location.

“One additional pro of a corner lot parcel not touched on yet within this is, corner lots offer more natural light than the other lots because, in some cases, there are fewer neighbors’ homes blocking the sun due to the intersecting streets,” Sinibaldi says.

Resale Value of Corner Lots

Another major question you’ll likely have when buying any home is how it will fare when you go to resell in the future. When it comes to a corner lot, Sinibaldi said you have a good chance of selling easily.

“A corner lot is typically, always preferred in today’s market,” he says. “Corner lots in today’s housing market are typically highly sought after, due to the characteristics and the many benefits these pieces of real estate offer today's buyers.”

In fact, Sinibaldi says he has seen corner lots sell between 50% and 100% faster than other types of lots. He says that’s an interesting turn of events, given that corner lots used to be a lot harder to sell.

“In the ’90s, when developers first started building large-scale, cookie-cutter homes, the developers had a hard time selling corner lot homes. The developers were receiving negative feedback due to more street exposure, noise, less usable yard, and less privacy,” he says.

In order to combat the negative feedback, some developers decided to add a premium to these corner lots of $5,000 to $10,000, Sinibaldi says, which drew attention, and they began to sell.

That said, you’ll still want to decide whether a corner lot is right for you before buying. You shouldn’t simply purchase the home given its location on the street.

My clients sometimes ask me, "Why does my home need to be staged?" In fact, staging your home can be an asset in today's real estate market.

Staging a home before putting it up for sale has numerous benefits that can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful sale at a higher price point. By making strategic adjustments to a home's décor and layout, professional stagers create an environment that maximizes the home's positive features and minimizes its negative attributes. Here are some of the main benefits of home staging:

First and foremost, staged homes tend to sell faster than those that are not staged. This is because a staged home will make a great impression on potential buyers, allowing them to envision themselves living in that space. Buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that feels welcoming, clean, and well-maintained. Additionally, staging helps to highlight key features of the property, such as spacious rooms or updated appliances, which can be easily overlooked otherwise.

In addition to selling faster, staged homes also tend to sell at a higher price point. By showcasing the home in the best possible light, staging adds perceived value to the property, which can prompt buyers to offer more for it. It is important to keep in mind that buyers will be comparing the home to others they have seen on the market, so staging can really make a difference in standing out from the competition.

Finally, staging a home can make the selling process less stressful for the homeowner. By working with a professional stager, the homeowner can benefit from their expertise in creating a welcoming, attractive environment that will appeal to buyers. This can take the pressure off the homeowner to figure out how to stage the home themselves and allow them to focus on other aspects of the sale, such as working with their agent or preparing for the move.

Overall, staging is a valuable tool that homeowners can use to improve the chances of a successful sale at a higher price point. With the help of a professional stager, even a modest home can be transformed into a showpiece that will leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Kind regards,

- Jill

Here's What You Need To Know To Keep Cool This Summer

Having trouble sleeping? Finding your doors sticky? Do the rooms smell musty? If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may have high humidity (or too much moisture) in your home.

First, a quick rundown of why high humidity in hot weather causes so much personal discomfort. When your body is too warm, it produces sweat to stay cool. The moisture evaporating off your skin removes heat and makes you feel better. However, if the air is humid and already saturated with moisture, your sweat can’t evaporate, leaving you with a very muggy feeling.

The ideal humidity level for your home should be between 30 and 50 percent. During the summer, managing humidity is especially important for indoor comfort because warm air holds a lot more moisture than cold air. In your daily life, you experience this change in humidity levels when you shower, cook with uncovered pots on the stove, or leave standing water in a tub or sink (i.e. take a bath or wash dishes). To find out the humidity level in your home, you can use a hygrometer purchased from most home improvement retailers.

Let’s talk about air conditioners. ACs reduce humidity by drawing warm indoor air through a cold evaporator coil and condenses the water vapor from the air. The condensation is similar to the water beads that form on a cold drink. The water collected is then removed through a drain.

So, what if you’ve got the air conditioner running but your home still feels unbearably humid? It’s most likely because you’ve got an incorrectly sized unit or your equipment needs servicing. Having the right size AC for the job is crucial. Think about it this way. If you had a tiny window in a large room, or a huge window in a tiny room, you either have the window open 24/7 or you’ll find yourself opening and closing it constantly to reach a comfortable temperature. Neither sized window would be very effective. If your AC is too large, it will run for shorter amounts of time and stop before the length of time needed to dehumidify your home. If it’s too small, it can’t remove enough heat or humidity to reach the desired temperature and therefore runs all the time. The best thing to do is to get an assessment from a professional HVAC specialist who can calculate the appropriate size AC your home needs.

Just like temperature, having the right humidity level at home is imperative to staying comfortable. Understanding what comfort feels like to you will help you identify which systems you need and how you can make your space more energy efficient.