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Home Energy Efficiency Improvements for Summer
As spring temperatures start to climb, now is the time to make sure your home is running as efficiently as possible. A few smart energy efficiency home improvements can help keep your space cool and comfortable without overworking your AC. These upgrades reduce your reliance on air conditioning, improve system performance, and lead to noticeable energy savings on your monthly bills.
How to Determine if Your Home Needs Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Summer
Before you dive into upgrades, it’s smart to check how your home is performing right now. There are a few common signs that your home could benefit from energy efficiency home improvements:
- Hot and Cold Spots: Some rooms stay warmer or cooler than others, no matter how long the AC runs.
- Rising Utility Bills: Your energy bills spike in the summer, even though your usage hasn’t changed.
- Drafty Windows and Doors: You can feel air coming in or out around windows, doors, or baseboards.
- AC That Never Quits: Your air conditioner seems to run nonstop just to keep up.
A professional energy audit can give you a clear picture of where your home is losing energy and where you can make the biggest improvements. It’s one of the best ways to find out which upgrades will deliver the most value.
Reasons Why Your Home Is Not Energy Efficient During Summer
A few common issues can make it harder to keep your home cool and energy-efficient in the summer:
- Insufficient Insulation: Without enough insulation in your attic or walls, heat seeps in and forces your AC to work overtime.
- Air Leaks: Small gaps around windows, doors, or vents can let warm air in and push cool air out.
- Old or Single-Pane Windows: These windows don’t do much to block heat, making your home warmer and harder to cool.
- Aging HVAC Equipment: Older AC systems are often less efficient, using more energy to deliver less comfort.
- Too Much Sunlight: Direct sun through bare windows heats up your home fast, especially in the afternoon.
Addressing these issues is vital for enhancing energy efficiency for your home and ensuring a comfortable living environment during summer.
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Types of Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades Suitable for Summer
Making a few smart upgrades can go a long way toward boosting your home’s energy efficiency for summer. Here are some of the most effective improvements to consider:
- Upgrade Your Insulation: Adding insulation to your attic, walls, or floors helps keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
- Seal Air Leaks: Use caulk or weatherstripping to close gaps around windows, doors, and vents where cool air can escape.
- Install Energy-Efficient Windows: Double or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings block heat from coming in.
- Replace Old HVAC Systems: New, energy-efficient AC units use less power and cool your home more effectively.
- Add Window Treatments: Thermal curtains or blackout blinds can keep rooms cooler by blocking direct sunlight.
- Use a Smart Thermostat: These let you control cooling schedules, so your AC runs only when you need it.
- Turn On Ceiling Fans: They keep air moving, which helps you feel cooler even when the thermostat is set a few degrees higher.
These energy efficiency home improvements can make your home more comfortable and lead to serious energy savings all season long.
How to Lower Electric Bills This Summer
Saving energy during the summer doesn’t just depend on what you install—it also comes down to how you use your home. Try these simple tips to improve energy efficiency for your home and reduce your monthly cooling costs:
- Adjust Your Thermostat: Set it to the highest comfortable temperature. Even raising it by one degree can save around 3% on cooling.
- Take Advantage of Cooler Air: Open windows in the early morning or late evening to let in fresh air before the heat sets in.
- Cut Back on Heat-Generating Chores: If possible, avoid using the oven or stovetop during the hottest parts of the day. Other options include grilling or prepping no-cook meals instead.
- Stay on Top of AC Maintenance: Clean or replace filters regularly and schedule seasonal tune-ups to keep your system running efficiently.
- Use Solar Screens or Window Film: These block out up to 70% of the sun’s heat and help reduce indoor temperatures.
- Add Shade with Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, and vines planted near windows or south-facing walls can reduce solar heat gain and support long-term energy savings.
Each of these habits can help you save energy on AC, lower your electric bills, and keep your home cooler without sacrificing comfort.
Find the Right Contractor for Your HVAC Project
Whether you’re ready to begin your project now or need some expert advice, our network of contractors are here to help. With a few simple questions, we’ll find the best local professionals for you
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