With spring in full swing, summer isn’t far behind. In many Columbus homes, you can already hear the drone of air conditioners sucking up some serious kilowatt-hours. We are all looking for ways to keep our homes cooler this summer.
Many people don’t realize that much of the energy used by air conditioning units could be saved by keeping heat out of our homes, rather than paying to cool them down after they get hot.
Follow these guidelines from Muth & Company Roofing. You’ll be able to save on utilities and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. And that will lessen its impact on the environment during the coming months.
Attic ventilation
No matter the season, a well-ventilated attic maintains high energy efficiency and saves you money. The temperature in an improperly ventilated attic can skyrocket during the summer, and the resulting heat will quickly begin to radiate down to lower living spaces. In the winter, poor attic ventilation results in moisture being trapped in the attic, which can contribute to damaging ice dams forming at the edge of your roof.
Increased attic insulation
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home is by increasing the amount of insulation in your attic. The EPA estimates that homeowners can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% of total energy costs) simply by adding insulation in the attic if needed and sealing up other vulnerable areas.
Metal roofing
Most metal roofing reflects a high percentage of radiant sunlight away from your home, much more so than asphalt shingles. This keeps the roofing materials cooler so that less heat is radiated down through the ceilings to your living areas.
Plus, don’t forget these easy ways to keep your home cooler this summer
Closing blinds and curtains on sunny windows, specifically using light-colored coverings to reflect heat.
Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise to push air down, and use bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans to remove heat.
Avoid using ovens and dryers during the day. Opt for grilling or overnight laundry to reduce indoor humidity.
Key Tips for a Cooler Home:
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Window Treatments: Install awnings, shades, or keep curtains closed during the day to prevent solar heat gain.
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Ventilation Strategy: Open windows and doors at night to create cross-breezes and trap cool air, then close them in the morning to seal it in.
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Heat Reduction: Use LED lighting, which produces less heat than incandescent bulbs.
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DIY Cooling: Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a DIY misting unit.
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Seal Leaks: Apply weather stripping around doors and windows to keep hot air out.
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Appliance Management: Run dishwashers and dryers at night to minimize heat generation during the day.
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Optimize HVAC: Set your thermostat to 75–80°F for efficient cooling.
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Natural Shading: Plant trees or shrubbery on the south and west sides of the house to provide shade.
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Dehumidify: Use a dehumidifier, as reducing moisture in the air makes the home feel significantly cooler.
If you’ve noticed excessive heat in your home, do the smart thing and call (614) 882-0900. Schedule a professional evaluation by Muth & Company Roofing. We can advise you on the ideal solution to fix any roofing problem.