Keeping Cool: The Surprising Summer Benefit of Home Insulation – GWC Mag

As the planet warms, summers are getting hotter, making it crucial to find effective ways to keep our homes cool. While most people think of insulation as essential for keeping homes warm in winter, its benefits during the sweltering summer months are just as significant. 

Proper insulation and sealing keeps cool air in and the hot air out, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy bills. Here are seven steps to ensure your home is well-insulated against the summer heat.

Seal Windows and Doors. Unsealed cracks and gaps around windows and doors let colder air inside the home escape. Applying weather stripping or caulking to these areas can also prevent hot air from entering the house, enhancing the efficiency of your air conditioning or heat pump system — they’ll need to run less often. Here are seven more ideas to help you make weatherization progress.

Upgrade Attic Insulation. Heat rises, and without proper attic insulation, it can easily penetrate your living spaces. Upgrading your attic insulation can block heat transfer from the roof, keeping your home cooler and reducing the burden on your air conditioning. Check out local utilities’ incentives and financing for upgrades.

Install Radiant Barriers: In hot climates, radiant barriers in the attic and roofing can reflect heat away from your home. These barriers, typically reflective materials, can significantly reduce heat gain through the roof, keeping your home cooler.

Enhance Wall Insulation: Adding insulation to exterior walls can prevent outdoor heat from seeping into your home. This step can be particularly effective in older homes that may need more insulation.

Use Insulated Curtains or Blinds: Thermal curtains or blinds can block sunlight and heat from entering through windows. This decor-enhancing solution can make a noticeable difference in maintaining cooler indoor temperatures.

Insulate Ductwork: If your home has ducted air conditioning, ensuring that the ductwork is properly insulated can prevent cool air loss and improve the efficiency of your system. Leaky ducts are significant sources of energy waste and uneven cooling.

Consider Insulating Paint or Additives: Technological advancements have developed insulating paint products and additives that can reflect heat. Applying these products to your home’s exterior can help keep indoor spaces cooler, reducing electricity use and costs.

These insulation strategies can make your home more comfortable during the hot summer months while contributing to energy conservation and reduced utility expenses. As climate change makes summer hotter, taking proactive steps to enhance your home’s insulation is a smart, sustainable choice for the planet and your wallet.