The summer heat is unbearable. It's hard to focus on anything when you're uncomfortably hot indoors. 

So you blast the air conditioning to cool down your homes as much as possible. Then you get your AC bill and it’s twice what you expected. Yikes.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help keep your home comfortable this summer without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll break down the most common reasons homes heat up in the summer. Plus, we’ll share our tips to lower your air conditioner costs and stay cool indoors!

What Can Make Your Home Steamy During the Summer

When hot air seeps into your home, it’s can be a significant problem. The first thing to do is identify the source of the problem so you can take the right steps to fix it.

1. Leaky Ductwork Is Letting Out Your Conditioned Air

Air ducts are installed to transport cooled or heated air throughout the house. However, if these ducts are not adequately sealed, conditioned air can escape and be replaced with hot outside air. This causes your air conditioners to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, driving up your air conditioning costs.

To find out if your ductwork is to blame, have it checked regularly by a professional to search for leaks. You can also check for leaks yourself using a simple method: Hold a piece of tissue paper near each joint and connection in your ductwork. If the tissue moves, there is likely a leak present that needs to be fixed.

2. Poor Insulation Is Allowing Heat Into Your Home

Insulation is one of the best tools to resist heat flow. For insulation to be effective, however, it needs to be installed correctly and in good condition. If your home is not adequately insulated, heat can enter through the walls and ceiling, making your indoor temperature uncomfortable.

You can have a professional come and check the insulation in your home to make sure it is up to par. You can also check your attic drywall to see if your insulation is doing its job. If the drywall or paneling feels damp, it’s a good sign that heat and humidity are making their way into your home.

3. Cracks and Gaps Are Bringing Hot Temperatures Inside

Another way heat can enter your home is through cracks and gaps in the walls, windows, or doors. Hot air from outside can seep through these openings, increasing your indoor temperature and spiking your cooling costs.

To prevent heat gain in your home, you should ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed and insulated. Check your caulk and weatherstripping to make sure it’s in good condition as well

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7 Tips to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

Now that we've gone over some of the ways warm air can enter your home, let's discuss some tips to keep your home cool this summer!

There are a few things you can do to help keep your home comfortable all summer long without breaking the bank.

1. Keep Your Windows Sealed

Sealing your home away from the heat inside will help you keep your home cool. Make sure your windows are closed during hot nights, and make sure the locks close for an air-tight seal and prevent leaks.

2. Stay on Top of Your Heating and Cooling Maintenance

You should have your heating and cooling system serviced by a professional before the start of the summer season. This will help ensure that your system is working correctly and can help prevent costly repairs down the road.

It would be best if you also cleaned or replaced your air filters regularly. Dirty air filters can cause your AC unit to work harder, which drives up energy costs.

3. Put Your Thermostat in the Right Place

You can save money on your energy bill by ensuring your thermostat is in the right place. Thermostats should be placed in a cool, shady area away from any heat-generating appliances.

You should also consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can set the temperature to be higher when you are away from home or lower when you’re asleep.

4. Follow Smart Energy Habits

There are a few simple things you can do to help save energy costs and keep your home cool this summer. For example, you can:

  • Install a ceiling fan to circulate air properly within your home. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise, which will help push hot air up and out of the room.
  • Use appliances that generate heat, such as the oven or dryer, during cooler hours like early morning or late evening.
  • Take advantage of natural ventilation by opening windows and doors when the outside temperature is cooler than the inside temperature.

5. Seal Any Leaks

As we mentioned before, one way hot air can enter your home is through leaks in your ductwork. If you suspect leaks in your ducts, the first step is to have them checked by a professional. Once you know where the leaks are, you can seal them with mastic sealant or metal tape.

Sealing your ducts can help improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system and lower your energy costs.

You can also check your insulation and make sure it is up to par. There are two main types of insulation:

  • Roll-out batts/blankets are usually made of fiberglass or mineral wool and come in pre-cut lengths that fit between the studs in your walls.
  • Loose-fill/blown-in insulation is made of fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool and is installed using a particular machine that blows the insulation into your walls.

Both types of insulation are effective, but loose-fill/blown-in insulation is better for areas that are difficult to access or have irregular shapes.

6. Apply Window Treatments

Another way to keep your home cool is by using window treatments. Shades, blinds, and curtains can help block out sunlight and prevent heat from entering your home.

Choosing bright window shades that reflect the sun's rays away from your home is also vital. This will help keep the heat out and your home cooler. You can use sun-blocking curtains to lower the temperature indoors and sun-blocking window films to help reduce the heat during the afternoons.

Close your blinds during the day to keep the sun from warming up your home. You can also open them at night to let cool air in and circulate throughout the house.

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7. Replace Old Windows and Doors

If your windows are older, these tips might not be enough to keep hot air out. You may need to consider replacing them with high-quality, durable, insulated models from an installer you trust. These will be more energy-efficient and keep your home feeling as good as it looks. 

Newer windows and doors also provide a better seal against air leaks. This will help prevent hot air from entering your home and help you save money on your energy bill.

Feel Comfortable in Your Home Again with Windura

There are many ways to keep your home cool during the summer. By following the tips we've provided, you can enjoy a comfortable home without breaking the bank. If you'd like to get your faulty doors and windows replaced ahead of the summer, try Windura!

At Windura, we help families protect their homes while making them more comfortable year-round. We have helped countless families achieve this, and we can do the same for you. Schedule a free in-home consultation with us today to get started!

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Topics: Doors, Maintenance Tips, Windows, Weatherproofing Your Home, Energy Efficiency