As the summer heat wave continues, many of us are looking for ways to keep cool. If you have central air conditioning, one way to help your AC work more efficiently is to set up your roof in a way that maximises its cooling effects. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Your AC Can Only Do So Much. Your Roof Plays a Part, too.
Most people take it for granted that an air conditioner can keep their home cool during the summer months, but the truth is that even the most efficient AC will only do so much; your roofing material has a lot to do with how cool your house stays.
Metal roofs reflect sunlight and UV rays up into the atmosphere, keeping your home cooler than a shingled or tiled roof would. Dark-coloured asphalt shingles absorb heat and radiate it back into your home, and flat tar paper roofs offer almost no insulation at all. On top of just providing shade to your house, keeping the sun from entering in the first place is one of its essential functions. That’s why it’s vital that your home roofing needs more attention when cooling indoor temperatures are involved.
If you’re looking to stay cool on a budget this summer, you might want to upgrade to metal appliances or light-hued roofing materials that can reflect light and provide more efficient insulation than other roofing types.
Your Choice of Colour Matters. No, it Does Really
When it comes to roofing materials, many homeowners don’t think twice about colour. But did you know that dark-coloured roofs absorb much more heat than lighter-coloured ones? The result is higher cooling costs on hot summer days as your air conditioning works overtime to cool the attic and second floor of your home. If this sounds familiar, consider giving your roof a fresh coat of white paint.
Light colours reflect heat, helping to keep the temperature inside your house more stable so you won’t have to run the AC 24/7. The reflectivity can reduce cooling costs by up to 20 per cent in some cases while also ensuring that your attic stays cooler which helps maintain ideal indoor temperatures year-round. White paint may not seem like a major investment at first, but over time it could help your budget and be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made for your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Don’t Forget About the Attic
Keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer months can be an uphill battle, but proper insulation in your attic can make a big difference. Poor insulation in your attic leaves you vulnerable to heat loss, as air ducts and furnaces are sandwiched between layers of insulation.
On hot days, too much heat escapes from the top level of your house and goes straight into the attic instead of being properly contained within the living space. To prevent this, make sure that any existing insulation is in good condition with no gaps or tears. Then, measure for any gaps or areas that aren’t insulated and fill them with additional products.
Not only does this help keep warm air out of the attic during summertime, but it also helps keep cold air trapped inside during winter months so you can stay comfortable all year round. Taking care of your insulation now will save you from costly energy bills down the line and keep your home cool even on the hottest days.
Trim Down the Greenery to a Desirable Level
Pruning is an important practice for home landscaping and home roofing maintenance. A combination of trees, shrubs, and other plants can add much-needed shade to a home’s exterior, providing comfort during the hottest days of summer. However, when these trees and shrubs are left to grow wild and unkempt they can cause problems with home airflow.
Plants that are too close to your home will protect against the wind coming from certain directions, creating turbulence that can be disruptive to the home structure. Pruning your trees and shrubs regularly will help create space between them and your home, allowing easier airflow. On top of that, regularly trimmed plants will have fewer leaves and branches – resulting in less cleaning work for homeowners.
Finally, keeping plants away from your home’s walls might even reduce the risk of pests making their home on or near your home’s structure. Pruning is an essential part of home maintenance that should not be overlooked as it keeps both air flow and pest control thriving around your home space. Keeping trees and shrubs properly trimmed ensures healthier air circulation around a home while also reducing the potential for insects to make their way into the house itself.
Get Professional Help to do the Difficult Bits
It’s no surprise that living in the summer heat can take a toll on your air conditioner (AC) unit, and if you want to ensure it continues running efficiently, having it inspected professionally once a year is key.
Professional technicians understand exactly how an AC unit should work and what indicators to look for when assessing its performance. Regular servicing helps to identify potential problems with the motor, as well as any blocks or leaks in the system. They can also check the levels of refrigerant gas and make sure all components are correctly calibrated to maintain optimal performance. Not only does this reduce your energy bills, but it also minimizes the risk of breakdowns which could lead to expensive repairs.
And If you’re relying on ducted air conditioning to beat the heat during the hot summer months, then it’s doubly important to make sure that your unit is running as efficiently as possible. These inspections are especially beneficial if your unit is older and may be showing signs of wear and tear. The technicians will check all the ducts and components for any damage or build-up of debris, as well as inspect the wiring and electrical systems.
They’ll also take a look at all the filters within the ducted air conditioning unit, making sure that these are not clogged or damaged. If an issue is detected during this process, quick action can be taken to repair any parts that need replacing.
Conclusion
While air conditioners can do a lot to keep your home cool, the roofing material and insulation are also important factors. If you have a dark-coloured roof, consider painting it white to reflect heat. Also, make sure there’s proper insulation in your attic to keep cool air from escaping. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed around your home so they don’t block the airflow, too. And finally, have a professional inspect your AC unit annually to ensure it’s running efficiently.
