The period just before summer when spring is ushering the new weather is when most homeowners make improvements to their homes. It is always important to start the preparations early as waiting could cause delays or even be expensive as many homeowners are preparing and doing some projects around their houses. Thus, the demand for contractors is high, which means longer periods of waiting and higher rates. With an increase in temperature, home improvement centers are packed with busy DIYers. Planning early will save you from the hustle, and you’ll have your home’s summer preparations done on time. For issues with electricity in your house, especially with installations, commercial electricity suppliers will help you provide the electrical supplies that your home needs. To ensure that you source your electrical supplies from a dependable company, use review sites such as Britainreviews.co.uk to have a look at commercial electricity suppliers UK online reviews. Avoid the negatively reviewed electrical suppliers. Below are tips on how to insulate your house for summer
Window retrofits
Replacing or repairing your home’s current windows is one of the summer’s anti-heat home enhancement projects that is most effective. Most of the heat gain in a house is correlated with the type and quality of windows that you’ve fitted. Windows made of materials that are energy inefficient or which have air leaks will perform poorly at retaining cool air in your home. Some of the proven ways of decreasing heat in summer include waterproofing, repairing, and sealing the windows. If you opt to replace, your windows go for high-performing glass, including double or tipple pane windows.
Invest in fans
Ensure that you have your ceiling fans rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. This direction is important in keeping a room cool as it drives cold air downwards, making sure it circulates in the room. If your fans are easy to move around type, position them such that at night one blows facing the windows, while the other blows from across the room towards the window. This achieves a room that cools by creating a cross draft that cools the room quickly. The air outside is coolest at night, and this explains why this technique is most efficient at night. Also, go for cooling fans that can be placed on the window to ensure that air circulates all the time.
Upgrading the thermostat
If you are still using an air conditioner with a non-programmable thermostat, then it is more likely that you are spending about 20% more energy to ensure your home stays cool. Programmable thermostats can automatically regulate your home’s temperature even when you aren’t at home; thus, you’ll find a comfortable atmosphere once you arrive. Some thermostats have a Wi-Fi capability, allowing control from a tablet or smartphone. Other thermostats have a smart setback option, enabling them to adapt intelligently to changes, thus further saving energy costs.
Invest in some cooling curtains
Blackout curtains or thermal curtains help offer insulation to your house against the sun. Have this curtain as a cover to windows that are exposed to sunlight directly. The curtain will block heat and the sun, and thus the air conditioners will not have to do as much work, which shelps lower your energy costs. The major advantage that cooling curtains offer is that there’s no other associated maintenance cost once you buy them.
Install DIY insulations
Crevices and cracks in your home allow in hot air and let cold air out. This can result in uncomfortably high temperatures in your house during summer. Always look for drafts in your home and use either spray foam or caulk to seal the seams. If you are unable or have a hard time identifying the areas of your home with leaks, you can seek the services of an energy auditor to inspect your home for cracks and leaks. You can then use batt insulation or some loose insulation to fill on the cracks or leaks.
Have your HVAC overhauled
In addition to controlling & updating circuits and making your home more airtight, ensure that the heat pump, air conditioner, dehumidifiers, celling pumps, and other appliances for cooling your home are working correctly. This is particularly vital in areas that rely heavily on the air conditioner only for cooling. Hire a professional to upgrade your HVAC systems to achieve full efficiency. The last thing you wouldn’t want to have is an air conditioner that breaks down in the middle of the heat spell of summer.
In conclusion, with this article, you have the important tips to help insulate your house for summer and thus enjoy a comfortable environment.