Summer-Proof Your Home: Sealing and Insulation Tips for Energy Efficiency

As temperatures rise each summer, keeping your home cool and comfortable without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a top priority. At PosiGen, we’re committed to helping homeowners maximize energy efficiency, save money,* and create a more sustainable future. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by focusing on sealing and insulation. These energy-saving home upgrades not only keep your home cool in the summer but also boost overall energy efficiency year-round.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why sealing and insulating matter, where to focus your efforts, and practical steps you can take to summer-proof your home!

Why Sealing and Insulation Matter

Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Air leaks and poor insulation are among the biggest culprits of energy loss in homes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most homes in the United States are under-insulated and have significant air leaks, which can lead to higher energy bills and reduced comfort. (4) In fact, sealing air leaks and adding insulation can save homeowners an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs—or about 11% on total energy costs. (4) These improvements also help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, making your home more comfortable during the hottest summer days.

Cost Savings

Energy-efficient upgrades like sealing and insulation pay for themselves over time. By reducing the workload on your air conditioning system, you not only lower your energy bills but also extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment. (4) (6) The Department of Energy notes that adding insulation to attics, crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls in conjunction with air sealing is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste. (3)

Environmental Impact

Improving your home’s energy efficiency reduces your carbon footprint. By using less energy to keep your home cool, you help decrease demand on the power grid and support a cleaner environment—a mission that aligns with PosiGen’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Where to Focus: Key Areas for Sealing and Insulation

Attics

Attics are a major source of heat gain in the summer. Insulating between and over floor joists in unfinished attic spaces helps seal off living spaces below, keeping cool air in and hot air out. (1) Don’t forget to insulate the attic access door, as this is often a hidden source of air leakage. (1)

Exterior Walls

Insulating exterior walls, including those between living spaces and unheated areas like garages or storage rooms, is crucial for maintaining a cool, energy-efficient home. (1) Walls above ground level and in heated basements should also be insulated.

Floors and Crawl Spaces

Floors above unconditioned spaces, such as vented crawl spaces or unheated garages, should be insulated to prevent heat transfer. (1) For homes with slab-on-grade foundations, insulating the slab’s exterior edge can reduce heating and cooling bills by 10% to 20%. (1)

Windows and Doors

Caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors are simple yet highly effective ways to seal air leaks. (3) (6) Even small gaps can allow a significant amount of hot air to enter your home, forcing your cooling system to work harder.

Ductwork

Leaky air ducts can waste up to 30% of the energy used for cooling your home. Sealing and insulating ducts, especially those running through unconditioned spaces, can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency. (2) (4)

Practical Steps to Summer-Proof Your Home

1. Conduct a Home Energy Audit

A professional energy audit is the best way to identify where your home is losing energy. Auditors use tools like blower door tests to pinpoint air leaks and assess insulation levels. (2) Many utility companies and local governments offer rebates or free audits, making this a cost-effective first step. It is also included with PosiGen solar leases, which is often the perfect pairing for maximizing savings!

2. Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can account for 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical home. (2) Common sources include:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Electrical outlets and switch plates
• Attic hatches
• Baseboards and crown molding
• Plumbing and wiring penetrations

Use caulk to seal stationary cracks and gaps, and weatherstripping for movable components like doors and operable windows. (3) (6) Sealing these leaks acts as a “windbreaker” for your home, preventing hot air from infiltrating and cool air from escaping. (5)

3. Upgrade Insulation

Proper insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. (5) Focus on these key areas:

• Attic: Insulate between and over the joists. The Department of Energy provides a zip code insulation tool to help you determine the right R-value for your region. (2)
• Walls: Add or upgrade insulation in exterior walls and between conditioned and unconditioned spaces. (1)
• Floors: Insulate above crawl spaces, garages, and slab foundations. (1)

If your home is older, it’s likely under-insulated and may benefit significantly from these upgrades. (2) (4)

4. Consider Energy-Saving Home Upgrades

Beyond sealing and insulation, consider these additional energy-saving upgrades:

• Install energy-efficient windows and doors
• Upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system or heat pump
• Add solar panels to further reduce your reliance on the grid (PosiGen specializes in solar solutions that pair perfectly with energy efficiency improvements)

5. Maintain and Monitor

Regularly check for new air leaks, especially after severe weather or home renovations. Monitor your energy bills for unexpected increases, which can signal new efficiency issues.

Want more energy efficiency tips? Read our Bright Ideas: How Solar and Energy Efficiency Go Hand in Hand and 5 Simple Upgrades To Make Your Home Energy Efficient blogs.

Benefits Beyond the Bills

Enhanced Comfort

Sealing and insulation not only keep your home cool and energy efficient, but they also reduce noise, improve humidity control, and minimize the entry of dust, pollen, and pests. (4) You’ll notice fewer drafts and more consistent temperatures throughout your living spaces.

Eligibility for Incentives

Many states and utility companies offer rebates, tax credits, and other incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. The federal government’s Investing in America agenda also provides opportunities to offset the costs of insulation and weatherization projects. (6)

Read our How to Stay Cool and Control Energy Costs this Summer blog to learn more.

Common Myths About Summer Energy Efficiency

Myth 1: Insulation Only Matters in Winter
Fact: Insulation is just as important in summer. It keeps hot air out and cool air in, reducing the need for air conditioning and keeping your home comfortable. (4) (5)

Myth 2: New Homes Don’t Need Upgrades
Fact: Even newer homes can benefit from additional insulation and sealing. Building codes set minimum standards, but exceeding these standards can lead to greater energy savings and comfort. (6)

Myth 3: DIY Is Always the Best Option
Fact: While some sealing and insulation projects can be done yourself, hiring a certified contractor ensures the work is done safely and effectively, maximizing your energy savings.* (2)

Our Energy Efficiency Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction blog is a great resource as well.

How PosiGen Can Help

At PosiGen, we believe that everyone deserves access to affordable solar paired with energy-efficient homes. Our team specializes in comprehensive energy audits, insulation upgrades, and solar solutions that work together to keep your home cool, comfortable, and energy efficient all summer long.

By combining sealing, insulation, and solar power, you can maximize your energy savings, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy a more comfortable home, no matter how high the mercury climbs.

Take Action: Summer-Proof Your Home Today

Don’t let another summer pass with high energy bills and uncomfortable indoor temperatures. By focusing on sealing and insulation, you’ll keep your home cool, energy-efficient, and ready for whatever the season brings.

Key Takeaways:

• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
• Upgrade insulation in attics, walls, and floors to create a robust barrier against heat transfer.
• Conduct a professional energy audit to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Consider additional energy-saving upgrades, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems and solar panels.
• Take advantage of rebates and incentives to offset upgrade costs.

For more information on energy efficiency, visit trusted resources like energy.gov and ENERGY STAR, or contact PosiGen for a personalized assessment and expert guidance on summer-proofing your home. (1) (2) (3) (4) (6)

Stay cool, save money, and make your home a model of summer energy efficiency with PosiGen by your side. Schedule a free solar consultation today.

* Individual savings will vary based on your utility rate, energy consumption habits, solar system equipment installed on your property, tax incentives eligibility, weather, and other factors. Individual savings estimates are based on your solar energy production, your solar kWh rate, potential tax incentives, your utility kWh rate at the time of purchase and projected increase in the utility rate (based on historical data and national averages). Estimates do not take into consideration other changes in utility rates. Such changes could affect your overall estimated savings.