This summer the Triangle area has seen an increase in out-of-town homebuyers as Raleigh-Durham was recently ranked the one of the best places to live in the nation. For all of those who are new to the area (and the heat!) as well as locals who are looking for ways to keep your home cool without breaking the bank, we’re here to share some of our favorite home insulation tips.

To keep your home comfortable during the hot summer months, here are 8 insulation tips we recommend:

Fix drafts under doors.

Front doors and back doors are already opening and closing constantly throughout the day, so when they’re closed you want to make sure you’re not losing any more cool air through exterior walls (or letting hot air in). Alleviate drafts that may occur underneath the door by using a door draft stopper to seal any air leaks. These can be found at your local hardware store.

Caulk windows, dryer and bathroom vents.

Go around your home and analyze all the spots where there is a direct avenue from the outside to the inside of your home. Many times we think of doors and windows, but we forget about vents. It’s important to secure the openings surrounding windows and vents to minimize airflow and drafts. To do this, caulk not only the inside but also the outside for extra layers of protection.

Replace windows.

It’s estimated that 25-30% of residential energy use is controlled through the windows of the home. If you’ve been waiting to replace your windows, now is the time. It’s an investment that is sure to pay off as new frames and glass will keep cold air inside and energy-efficient products will keep utility bills down.

Close doors to unused rooms.

When every room in your home is open, air conditioning units will work overtime to maintain airflow throughout each room. However, if your office or bedroom is unused during the day, simply close the door to focus on cooling the areas of the home you’re currently occupying.

Increase exterior shade.

Everyone loves natural light in their home…until the room is too hot to enjoy. Direct sunlight increases the room temperature because UV rays emit heat. Planting trees near windows and installing outdoor awnings will help drastically reduce the amount of sunlight (and heat) that flows through windows during the day.

Cook with less heat inside.

Summertime is the best time to take advantage of cold meals and outdoor cooking. Salads, sandwiches, and grilling are great options to give your stove and oven a break during July and August when indoor temps are on the rise.

Open windows at night.

After the sun goes down the outdoor temperatures drop. Take advantage of the cool temperatures by opening windows in your house to let in the cooler air. This gives your air conditioning a break, too. Bonus tip: If you have a window in the attic, make sure to open it at night to let out all the heat that’s been trapped inside throughout the day.

Insulate the roof deck.

Hot air and cool air are often released and taken in through the roof. The roof deck is the roof material between the structure and the insulation of the home. It’s important to coat this space with spray foam insulation to better regulate the temperature of your home. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck with insulation tips, this one is a must.

Give one (or all) of these insulation hacks a try! If you’re in need of more assistance with your home, you may need a professional to come out and examine the state of your home’s insulation. MPI Foam is happy to help— schedule an appointment today at 844-MPI-FOAM.