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As the season changes from spring to summer, it’s time to start preparing for the scorching sun and intense heat. Instead of waiting for temperatures to skyrocket, proactive homeowners are rushing to complete smart, quick exterior upgrades that reduce heat gain, such as incorporating heat-resistant building materials and energy-efficient landscaping.
Many people make the mistake of relying solely on artificial cooling indoors, reducing the thermostat setting instead of addressing the root causes of heat gain, says Drew Poscon, Chief Operating Officer. Southern Home Services in Maitland, Florida. “Constantly lowering the thermostat will not solve insulation, airflow, or ventilation problems and may put unnecessary stress on the HVAC system,” explains Poscon. “It’s usually more effective to improve the overall efficiency of the home first.”
By tackling a few high-impact exterior projects before the next big heat wave hits, you can give your AC a much-needed break and keep your living space comfortably cool all summer long. Here are three small exterior projects you can complete fairly quickly to help reduce the heat around your home this summer.
1. Improve attic ventilation.
Poscon says one of the most overlooked ways homeowners can reduce heat gain in the summer is proper attic ventilation. “When hot air becomes trapped in the attic, it can force the HVAC system to work significantly harder to maintain indoor temperatures, but improving ventilation helps remove that trapped heat, lowers attic temperatures, and can help extend the life of roofing materials and HVAC equipment,” he explains.
If you’re not sure if your attic is properly vented, check the roof and eaves to see if there are vents installed and to make sure the vents aren’t visibly blocked or damaged. Even with attic vents, if the attic ceiling is hot, there is moisture on the rafters, snow dams are forming in the winter, or your cooling bill is rising, your attic ventilation system may have a problem. It is also important to clean the vents regularly to ensure that dirt and debris do not block airflow.
2. Seal air leaks and add insulation.
Effective insulation and air leak prevention are essential measures for a heat-resistant home, helping to reduce the transfer of heat from warm outdoor air to the indoor environment. “Small gaps around doors, windows, attic access points and ductwork allow conditioned air to escape and warm outside air to enter the home,” warns Poscon. “Sealing those leaks and making sure insulation levels are adequate can make a significant difference in comfort and energy consumption.” In fact, in many homes, improving insulation is the fastest way to reduce unnecessary stress on the air conditioning system, according to Poscon.
Poscon recommends getting a Home Energy Assessment to fully understand if there are any leaks in your home and where they are located. It is also helpful to have some guidance on the specific type of insulation to use, as there are many different types of insulation. Heat resistant material Available.
3. Install Shade Solutions.
Shades are also an effective way to keep the house cool during the hot summer months, and if you don’t have one Shade from landscapingTry adding a shade structure. “Reducing direct sunlight on windows and exterior walls can help reduce solar heat gain, especially during the afternoon,” Poscone says. “Shade structures May be effective on west-facing parts of the house where exposure to heat is greatest.”
A variety of shade structures are available to reduce solar radiation and heat penetration through windows, glass doors, and skylights. You can choose from a wide range of awnings, roof overhangs, canopies, shutters, Shade sailsand shade screens that come in a range of fabrics that withstand the elements, reduce glare and block ultraviolet rays.
A Retractable awningFor example, is a versatile option as it provides shade on sunny days but can be easily removed in the evening and on cloudy or rainy days. It is also an opportunity to add some color and design to decorate the exterior of your home. Similarly, shade sails block the sun in style. They can be left up year-round in moderate climates, but should be taken down in areas that experience heavy rainstorms, strong winds, or harsh winters.
Even if you’re not selling your home, you’ll appreciate curb appeal updates
