Why You Should Insulate Your Home in the Summer  

As you crank up the air conditioning to cool off, home insulation may be the last thing on your mind. In truth, insulation is every bit as important in the summer as it is in the winter.  

Have you noticed that no matter how much your air conditioner runs in the summertime, your home never seems to cool down adequately? If your home has more than one floor, does the upstairs get almost unbearably hot, even with your air conditioner running?  

Have you noticed that you are spending a lot on your electric bills during the summer, but your home is still not as cool as you would like it to be? If your answer to any of those questions is “yes,” it might be time to evaluate your insulation, and there is no better time to do so than right now.  

The Benefits of Insulation in Summer 

To understand the role of insulation in summer, it’s helpful to think about how insulation works in general. The materials are designed to slow down heat transfer. By nature, heat moves from warmer areas to cooler ones. In winter, insulation helps keep your home’s heated air inside. Without proper insulation, which is a problem in nearly nine out of 10 homes, that warm, cozy air flows outside, escaping through the walls, doors, and even the roof.  

In summer, house insulation (and proper air sealing) prevents the sweltering summer air from flowing inside. The benefits of preventing hot air from mixing with the cool air inside include creating living zones that are more comfortable and energy efficient.  

Improved Energy Efficiency 

Did you know that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system accounts for anywhere from 35% to 40% of your home’s energy use? Imagine running your air conditioning at the coldest setting and the highest fan speed while keeping the doors and windows all open. That doesn’t make any sense, but without the right amount of insulation, you might as well be doing just that.  

However, with proper insulation, you could be saving up to 15% (or more) on the energy used to keep your home cool and comfortable.  

Enhanced Comfort 

As a bonus, your cooling equipment won’t have to work as hard to maintain your preferred temperatures, which can extend the life of the system. That leads to fewer repairs, easier maintenance, and less replacement costs. Better yet, you get to enjoy all of those perks while helping your home remain naturally cooler.  

Lower Utility Bills 

A great byproduct of improving your energy efficiency is saving on monthly energy costs. Energy Star estimates indicate that adding insulation and air sealing to a home can save 10 percent on annual expenses.  

Signs Your Home Needs Better Insulation 

Depending on the materials, insulation can last up to 100 years or more, although the average is usually closer to 25 years. Additionally, various scenarios can affect the lifespan of your insulation, including pest activity and whether the insulation was correctly installed from the start. That’s why it’s important to know the signs to look for that indicate it might be time to have your insulation checked out.  

High Electric Bills 

Just as replacing or upgrading your insulation can help save you money, unexplainably high or rising energy costs can indicate a problem. When your insulation is damaged or no longer working effectively, it won’t provide the same protection from the summer heat. That means you will end up running your AC system longer and harder.  

Uneven Temperature Distribution 

Insulation reduces heat transfer and helps create more consistent temperatures throughout your home. Inadequate insulation struggles to maintain even temperatures. In winter you might notice drafts or cold spots. In summer, some rooms may be warmer than others, and you might experience hot spots. 

Constantly Running AC 

Without the right type and amount of insulation for your home, cooling equipment will struggle to keep up once the temperatures start heating up outside. Summer and winter often offer the best glimpses into the state of your insulation because you will notice the difference more than during more moderate weather.  

Preparing for Winter by Insulating in Summer 

Assessing your insulation and upgrading it ahead of time will help ensure your home is ready for Upstate New York’s characteristically chilly winters. Choosing to insulate your home in the summer is a great decision because you will immediately enjoy the benefits. Not only will you be ready for winter, but you will be cooler and more comfortable during the summer heat.  

Advantages of Getting Ahead of the Cold Weather 

Summer is an excellent time to upgrade insulation. First, it will likely be easier to schedule installers to come to your home and complete the installation. They won’t have to deal with the snow, ice, and higher demand associated with the colder months. In the meantime, you won’t be wasting money and can start saving energy and energy-related costs immediately.  

Discover the Standard Difference 

Summer is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Standard. As the go-to insulation contractor and HVAC installer in the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley, we take pride in helping every customer.  

You are always our top priority. That is part of the Standard difference. We approach each home as the unique ecosystem that it is. Our NATE- and BPI-certified technicians can assess your current insulation and home energy use and make recommendations based on what will give you the best results. Improved comfort, boosted efficiency, and saving money — those are some of the goals we have for every customer.  

Standard has helped thousands of households save money and live more comfortably in summer, winter, and every season in between. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to get started.