Summer’s almost here, which means rising temperatures, higher humidity, and a bigger workload for your AC. But with a few smart home upgrades, you can stay cool, cut energy costs, and create a healthier environment for your family. Here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to prepping your home before the heat kicks in.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Think of insulation as your home’s summer armor. When it’s in good shape, it keeps cool air inside and blocks the heat from creeping in.
Here’s how to get it summer-ready:
- Check what you’ve got: Peek into the attic, walls, or basement for signs of worn-out, thin, or missing insulation.
- Pick the right material: Spray foam gives you a tight seal, fiberglass is affordable and easy to install, and cellulose is great for eco-conscious homes.
- Focus on hot spots: Attics and exterior walls take in the most heat, make those your top priority.
- Get a pro if needed: Not sure where to start? A professional can do a quick inspection and recommend upgrades.
Why it matters: Better insulation means lower cooling bills, fewer hot spots around the house, and less stress on your air conditioner.
Encapsulate Your Crawl Space
It might be out of sight, but your crawl space has a big impact on your home’s comfort and air quality—especially in the summer.
What to do:
- Clean it out: Toss any clutter or debris that attracts pests or holds moisture.
- Seal it up: Use vapor barriers or heavy-duty plastic to cover floors and walls.
- Control humidity: A dehumidifier can make a big difference in keeping the air dry and fresh.
- Check airflow: Make sure the space has proper ventilation—or consider conditioning it to match the rest of the house.
Why it matters: Encapsulating your crawl space keeps out moisture, mold, and musty smells, while improving the air you breathe upstairs.
Improve Attic Ventilation
Your attic can turn into an oven in the summer. If that heat can’t escape, it pushes down into your living space and forces your AC to work harder.
How to fix it:
- Make sure you’ve got vents: Ridge, soffit, or gable vents all help circulate air.
- Consider attic fans: These help pull hot air out faster. Bonus points for solar-powered ones!
- Clear the pathways: Check that vents aren’t blocked by insulation, dust, or debris.
- Seal air leaks: Stop cool air from leaking into the attic through gaps around ducts, pipes, and light fixtures.
Why it matters: A ventilated attic helps your home stay cooler, protects your roof, and extends the life of your insulation.
Ready for Summer?
Tackling these three areas, insulation, ventilation, and crawl space encapsulation, is the best way to prep your home for the summer heat. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable home, breathe cleaner air, and keep your energy bills in check.
Take the time now to make these upgrades, and you’ll thank yourself when the hottest days roll in. Your home (and your wallet) will be better for it.
