12 Expert Tips to Heat-Proof Your Houston Home
Even though summer has some time to begin, any Houstonian can tell you that Houston begins seeing heat as early as the spring! And if you’re a homeowner in H-town, you know that means one thing: energy bills higher than a grand slam at Reliant Stadium.
With soon approaching highs in the mid-90s and heat indices often soaring above 100°F, keeping your home cool and comfortable can feel like an uphill battle. But don’t sweat the heat! There are proactive steps you can take to keep your energy costs in check.
As Houston’s go-to provider of attic insulation and HVAC services, EZ Attic Insulation is dedicated to helping clients maintain comfortable, efficient homes all year round. So we’ve compiled a list of 15 expert tips to help you keep your home cool and comfortable while keeping your energy costs in check!
1.Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
Ensure your attic has proper insulation (R-30 to R-60) to prevent heat from entering your home. Take a look at our previous blogs to learn a bit more about R-Value and some common signs your insulation is no longer doing its job.
But in short, attic insulation plays a crucial role in heat-proofing your home by acting as a barrier to reduce heat transfer between the interior living space and the attic. During summer months, the sun’s radiant energy heats up the roof and attic, causing the temperature in these areas to rise significantly. Without proper insulation, this heat can easily transfer into your living space, forcing your cooling system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Use Reflective Roof Coatings
One effective way to reduce heat absorption through your roof is by using reflective coatings or installing reflective roof tiles. They are designed to reflect a significant portion of the sun’s rays, minimizing the amount of heat that enters your home through the roof.
3. Utilize Window Treatments
Windows are a significant source of heat gain in homes, particularly those facing south and west, which receive the most direct sunlight. To minimize heat transfer through your windows, it’s essential to utilize effective window treatments such as blinds, shades, or curtains.
4. Seal Air Leaks
If your appliances are more than 10-15 years old, they may be draining more energy than necessary. Modern, energy-efficient appliances use advanced technology to minimize power consumption without sacrificing performance.
When shopping for new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label. This government-backed symbol indicates that a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. ENERGY STAR certified appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard models, helping you save money and reduce your environmental impact.
While energy-efficient appliances may have a higher upfront cost, they often pay for themselves through energy savings over their lifetime. Plus, many utility companies offer rebates and incentives for purchasing energy-efficient products, making them even more affordable.
5. Optimize Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment during the hot Houston summer. Ceiling fans can effectively improve ventilation and create a cooling effect, making a room feel 4 degrees cooler and allowing you to raise your thermostat setting, reducing energy consumption. During summer, ensure your ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downward, creating a refreshing breeze.
Adequate attic ventilation is also crucial for improving ventilation and reducing heat transfer into your living spaces. Install ridge vents, soffit vents, or gable vents to facilitate airflow in your attic and maintain a cooler temperature.
6. Plant Trees and Vegetation
Strategically planting trees and vegetation around your home is an effective way to provide natural shade and reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting your house. Trees with broad, leafy canopies can block a significant portion of the sun’s rays, minimizing heat absorption through your roof and walls.
When planning your landscaping, focus on planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home, as these areas receive the most direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Deciduous trees shed their leaves in the winter, allowing sunlight to warm your home during the colder months.
7. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace old, heat-generating appliances with energy-efficient models that produce less heat. When replacing your appliances, look for models with the Energy Star label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These appliances not only produce less heat but also use less electricity, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.
In addition to major appliances, consider upgrading smaller heat-generating devices, such as incandescent light bulbs, to energy-efficient alternatives like LED bulbs. LED bulbs produce significantly less heat and use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
8. Install Awnings
Installing awnings over windows and doors is an effective way to provide shade and reduce heat gain in your home. Awnings act as a barrier, blocking direct sunlight before it reaches your windows or doors, which helps keep your interior cooler and reduces the workload on your air conditioning system.
9. Use Light-Colored Exterior Paint
Painting your home’s exterior with light, reflective colors is a simple yet effective way to minimize heat absorption. Light colors, such as white, beige, or light gray, reflect more of the sun’s rays compared to darker colors, which absorb more heat.
By using light–colored exterior paint, you can help keep your home’s exterior surfaces cooler, reducing the amount of heat that transfers into your living spaces.
10. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system is crucial for keeping your home cool during the Houston summer. One of the most important maintenance tasks is to clean or replace your air conditioner’s filters regularly, typically every 1-3 months.
Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and reduce its cooling capacity. By maintaining clean filters, you can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency, prolong its lifespan, and keep your home comfortable.
7. Schedule Professional HVAC Tune-Ups
In addition to regular filter replacements, it’s essential to schedule professional HVAC tune-ups before the peak of summer. A certified technician from an HVAC-certified company like EZ Attic Insulation can thoroughly inspect, clean, and service your air conditioning unit to ensure it operates at peak efficiency.
By having your HVAC unit professionally serviced before the hottest months, you can identify and address any potential issues before they lead to costly breakdowns or reduced efficiency. A well-maintained air conditioning system will provide more reliable cooling, consume less energy, and have a longer lifespan, ultimately saving you money and ensuring your comfort throughout the Houston summer.
12. Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Setting your thermostat to the right temperature can significantly impact your energy consumption and cooling costs during the hot Houston summer. While the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F or higher to save energy, this temperature may be too warm for many people during the summer. Instead, aim to set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature that allows you to maintain a cool and inviting home environment.
When you’re away from home or asleep, raise your thermostat setting a few degrees higher. You can save up to 10% on your cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher for 8 hours a day.
Also, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature adjustments based on your schedule.
Preparing your home for the Houston heat takes effort, but the payoff in comfort and energy savings is well worth it. At EZ Attic Insulation, we’re here to help you create a cool, efficient oasis during the Texas heat.
From expert insulation upgrades to HVAC maintenance and energy-saving advice, our team is dedicated to helping you beat the heat and keep your energy bills in check.
Beat the Heat with EZ Attic Insulation
Don’t let the Houston summer melt away your comfort and your budget. Contact EZ Attic Insulation today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our services can help you stay cool all season long.
