6 tips to get your home ready for warmer weather

Spring is the prime time to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead. By doing a little work now with these six essential tips, you can help ensure that your home remains energy efficient as temperatures rise.

1. Seal cracks and beef up your insulation.

Check your home for any sneaky cracks or holes where air might slip through. Patch them up with weather stripping or caulk to keep the cool air inside when it gets hot out. Oh, and don't forget to upgrade your insulation, especially in the attic and walls. It helps maintain a consistent temperature indoors while keeping your AC unit from overworking.

2. Plant trees strategically.

Strategically plant trees around your home to provide shade and keep your place cooler. Plant on the west and south sides of your house, where the sun may hit stronger. Also plant a tree near your AC unit, so it benefits from the natural shade and works less hard to keep your home cool. Just remember to call 811 before you dig to check for any lines that may be underground.

3. Play up your windows.

Swap out your old windows with energy-efficient ones with special coatings and double or triple panes to minimize heat transfer. Use light-colored blinds, shades or curtains to reflect sunlight away from your home and keep it cooler. And if you really want to level up, install exterior shades or awnings on windows that receive direct sunlight. These shades can block sunlight before it enters your home. There are also reflective screens you can put on windows that receive direct sunlight. These screens block the sun’s heat while still allowing natural light to enter your home.

4. Give your AC some TLC.

Before things really heat up, get a pro to check out your air conditioning system. Clean or swap out those air filters to keep things running smooth, prevent allergens and save energy.

5. Consider installing reflective roofing.

Reflective coatings or materials can help keep your home cooler by reflecting the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them. This can help keep your attic and upper floors cooler, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. Costs can vary based on several factors, such as the size and type of your roof and labor costs in your area.

6. Optimize your hot water heater’s energy efficiency.

Start by adjusting the temperature setting to between 120°F and 140°F and insulating hot water pipes to stop heat from escaping. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup, install a timer to schedule heating only when needed, and insulate the tank with a blanket if it’s in an unconditioned space, like a basement or garage. Lastly, you might consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model like a tankless or heat pump water heater, which can provide long-term savings on energy costs.

By following these six tips now, you can improve your home's energy efficiency, so you can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable home throughout the warmer months ahead.

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Find more at-home, energy-saving tips for every season here.