As the summer heat intensifies, finding effective ways to keep your home cool and energy-efficient becomes a top priority. One perfect solution that often goes overlooked is the role of home insulation in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. While insulation is commonly associated with keeping homes warm during the winter, it also plays a crucial role in preventing heat transfer during the summer months. This blog post will explore practical tips and strategies to help you keep your home cool while reducing energy consumption and utility costs. From understanding the importance of proper insulation to implementing smart techniques, get ready to discover how you can transform your summer living experience.
Get LED Lightbulbs
If you value a bright and well-lit living space, it can be frustrating when you’re stuck in a dimly lit environment. Lucky for you, switching out your incandescent bulbs for LEDs can make all the difference. Not only do LEDs provide a brighter and clearer light, but they also don’t spend a significant amount of their energy producing heat like traditional bulbs. This means you can leave your lights on all day without worrying about warming your house or increasing your electricity bill. Not only is this a practical solution, but it’s also an environmentally friendly one that can upgrade the overall ambiance of your living space.
Use Cooling Curtains
Elevate your home to an oasis of cool with thermal curtains, designed to work double duty as insulation from the sun and a stylish update for your décor. Blackout curtains aren’t just great for sleeping in. By blocking out sun and heat, these curtains can significantly reduce the work your air conditioner has to do – and, in the process, lower your energy costs. A one-time expense with a one-two punch of benefits, thermal curtains are available through many online retailers (including Amazon). Invest in these curtains and turn your home into a cool haven this summer.
Open Windows at Night
As temperatures climb, it’s tempting to blast the air conditioning all day and night. But did you know that a simple change in routine can help keep your home cool without skyrocketing your energy bill? Open your windows at night and let in the refreshing night air. Not only is it cooler, but it’s also a free source of fresh air. Don’t forget to tightly shut your windows and pull down your shades in the morning to trap in the cool air and block out the sun’s heat. Doing this lets you make the most of the cooler hours at night and enjoy a more comfortable home all day.
How to Use Your Air Conditioner Most Efficiently
There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to keeping your home cool. One idea is to leave your air conditioning running all day so your house stays at a constant, cool temperature. The other is to set your thermostat a few degrees higher while you’re out of the house to save energy and give your AC a bit of a break. Regardless of your preferred method, it’s important to consider how heat flows. The hotter it is outside, the harder your air conditioning has to work to keep things cool indoors. By setting your thermostat at a reasonable temperature while you’re out, you can help ensure that your AC isn’t running constantly, overworking itself and resulting in energy waste. So next time you’re debating whether to leave the air on or turn it up, remember that a little balance can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
What to Look for in an AC Unit
A common mistake people make when purchasing an air conditioner is thinking that bigger is always better. When it comes to window units and cooling down a room, size really does matter. However, an oversized air conditioner won’t necessarily provide you with the cool and comfortable atmosphere you want. Instead, it only removes some of the humidity and leaves the room feeling damp and clammy. To ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency, choose the correctly-sized air conditioner for your room.
Make Use of Fans
A fan is a cost-effective way to keep a room cool without breaking the bank. With operating costs ranging from two to five cents per hour, a fan can make a room feel up to six degrees cooler by moving the air around. It’s a great complement to an air conditioner since the drier air that an air conditioner creates is easier for a fan to circulate. For frequently used rooms, consider installing a ceiling fan that spins counterclockwise in the summer. A fan helps keep you cool and helps reduce your energy bill, making it a smart investment for any household.
Get Professional Window Insulation
Professional window insulation emerges as a game-changer. Windows are significant sources of heat gain, allowing sunlight to penetrate and raise indoor temperatures. By investing in professional window insulation, you can effectively minimize this heat transfer and maintain a cooler interior. Professionals use various techniques such as applying reflective films, installing weatherstripping, or upgrading to energy-efficient windows to enhance insulation. These measures not only prevent heat from entering your home but also help reduce the load on your cooling system, saving energy and lowering utility costs.
Invest in Crawlspace Insulation
When you think of a cool place to beat the summer heat, the basement or crawlspace might be the first thing that comes to mind. But just because it’s cool doesn’t mean it’s dry. In fact, excess moisture caused by high humidity can turn this cool retreat into a breeding ground for mold and musty smells. A comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue, including mold remediation, drainage, and dehumidification. Another important factor is the installation of waterproof insulation. This professional installation will not only keep the moisture out but will also prevent other problems from arising. So, if you’re looking for a cool and dry refuge from the summer sun, address any moisture issues in your basement or crawlspace.
Insulate Any Part of Your Home with Northwest Weatherization
If you struggle to keep your home comfortable during extreme temperatures, your insulation may be the culprit. Even if your home is relatively new, it’s possible that the insulation isn’t doing its job properly. That’s where Northwest Weatherization comes in. Our professional insulation service near Newberg is designed to help homes of any age stay comfortable year-round. We start with a free home energy audit to assess your current insulation and identify any areas that need improvement. From there, our insulation experts will work with you to develop a customized insulation plan that will keep your home cool and save you money. Don’t let poor insulation drain your wallet or leave you uncomfortable in your home.
Contact Northwest Weatherization today and start enjoying a more energy-efficient home with our next insulation project. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service.
Insulation services we provide:
- Spray Foam Insulation Services
- Crawl Space Insulation Services
- Wall Insulation Services
- Vapor Barrier Services
- Floor Insulation Services
- Attic Insulation Services
- Duct Insulation
- Residential Insulation
Visit our About Us page for more information about our professional insulation company.