As a Texan, you know that hot summers and cold winters are just part of life. But there’s no reason your home has to suffer through the extreme temperatures with you. By following these simple tips, you can make sure your home is well-insulated and comfortable all year long.
8 Tips You Should Do
1. Get Your House Inspected
You’d be surprised how much heat or cool air can escape through tiny cracks and holes. A professional energy audit will help you identify where your home is losing the most heat so you can seal it up tight.
2. Use the Right Materials
When it comes to insulation, not all materials are created equal. In Texas, you’ll want to use materials that are specifically designed for our climate. Some good options include fiberglass batts, spray foam, and blown-in cellulose.
3. Insulate Your Windows
Windows are another common place for heat to escape (or enter) a home. Adding window film or storm windows can help keep the temperature inside your abode consistent.
4. Install Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a simple but effective way to seal any gaps or cracks around doors and windows where heat can escape. By installing weather stripping around these areas, you’ll be able to keep your house much better insulated.
5. Use Curtains or Blinds Wisely
During the summer months, open up your curtains or blinds during the day to let natural sunlight and heat into your home. Then close them at night to help keep the heat inside. In the winter, do the opposite by keeping them open during the day to let sunlight in and closed at night to help retain heat inside your house.
6. Caulk any Cracks or Holes
Caulking is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent air leaks around the outside of your house. Just be sure to use a high-quality caulk designed for exterior use.
7. Add Insulation to Exposed Pipes
Hot water pipes are particularly susceptible to heat loss, so be sure to add some pipe insulation to keep them from losing heat (and wasting energy).
8. Do install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will help you save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature of your home when you’re not there (or when you’re asleep).
8 Tips to Avoid
1. Don’t Try to Do-It-All-Yourself
If you’re not comfortable working with insulation or the materials to be used, don’t try to do it all yourself—hire a professional like iFoam in Dickinson Texas! Not only will they be able to do a better job than you could ever hope for, but they’ll also be able to do it faster and easier (which means less time and effort for you).
2. Don’t Skimp on Insulation
When insulating, more is always better. So, don’t be tempted to cut corners by using lower-quality materials or skimping. It’ll end up costing you more in the long run.
3. Don’t Forget About Your Attic
Attics are one of the most common places for heat to escape from inside. Make sure yours is properly insulated by checking the R-value of your insulation and adding more if necessary.
4. Don’t Neglect Your Doors
Just like windows, doors can be a weak spot in your home’s insulation. If you feel a draft coming through, consider adding weatherstripping or a door sweep to seal things up tight.
5. Don’t Forget About Ductwork
If you have central air conditioning, chances are you have ductwork running through your attic (or crawlspace). To prevent heat loss through ductwork, make sure that it is properly sealed and insulated with duct mastic (available at most hardware stores).
6. Don’t Neglect the Little Things
Sometimes these are often overlooked areas that can let out a lot of heat (or cold air). So, don’t forget to seal up any cracks or gaps around electrical outlets, light switches, and plumbing fixtures, to prevent drafts.
7. Don’t Forget Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation will help regulate the temperature in your home and prevent condensation buildup.
8. Don’t Forget About Regular Maintenance
Even the best-insulated homes need regular maintenance to stay in top condition. Be sure to have yours inspected regularly by a professional HVAC technician to ensure everything is working as it should be.
To Sum Up
By following these simple tips, you can be rest assured that your home will be properly insulated against even the harshest Texas weather conditions—helping you stay comfortable all year long.
