The Northern California Summer is officially here, and in Placer County all you need to do is step outside for proof that it’s really hot! But you shouldn’t notice the heat when you’re inside your home.
Here are five easy tips that are sure to help keep your house cool all summer long!
Get a home energy audit
An energy audit assessment shows you how much energy your home is taking in and evaluates its efficiencies and inefficiencies. This analysis, conducted by a professional, can save you money in the long-term. It is a great first step to maximize the energy you’re using to keep your home cool during summer.
Better insulation
Sometimes it’s what you don’t see that keeps your house cool. While tucked away behind walls, insulation does a lot of good in summer as much as in winter. Proper insulation will trap the cool air in. This is a good thing, because heat is always looking for a cooler place to move. Without the proper insulation, heat could move into unwanted areas and counter the effects of your air conditioner.
Foam and fiberglass insulation are options to consider, but injection foam insulation has proven to be one of the most effective methods.
New windows
New windows are a large, but wise investment. Along with pleasing aesthetics, new windows will keep money in your pocket by lowering your energy consumption. Furthermore, windows can also block out noise and provide privacy. Air leaks and water condensation may be signs it’s time for new energy-efficient windows. Older windows often leak the cool air you’re trying to enjoy inside your home. You can gauge the effectiveness of your windows through an energy audit (tip 1 above).
Simple modifications like weather-strips can boost window efficiency, too!
Consider solar
Beautiful Placer County is one of the sunniest places in the world, so why not put it to use? Installing solar panels and other energy-efficient applications is as affordable as ever. Why? The price of solar installs is down and you can take advantage of special government perks, like tax incentives. A solar install is not just about saving on your electricity bill, either. For example, some solar installs are designed for hot-water systems (which may be gas). Solar installs can also be used to heat swimming pools. Learn more about how affordable solar is here.
Put your fans to use
Fans may seem outdated, but they are still as useful as ever. Ceiling fans, for example, help circulate cool air at a very low cost. If a box fan is next to a vent it can provide an extra boost behind the cool air. Finally, a whole house fan can do a lot of work behind the scenes. Whole house fans are designed to suck out hot air through the attic and displace it away from the comfort of your home.
Some homes come with all of the above when you purchase them. If you are looking for a new home in Placer County, reach out to us and we can help you out!