5 Tips to Stay Cool This Summer

Don’t hate the summer heat!

You may not be able to control the heat levels outside, but you can control the temperature levels inside your home. Fortunately, there are a few secrets that will help you stay cool this summer! And, even better, these secrets will also help you save money on your energy bills!

Okay, maybe they aren’t “secrets” because you may have heard some of them before, but you should definitely follow these 5 tips today to stay happy all summer long.

1. Clean Your AC.

Ideally, step #1 should be completed before the hot weather begins. You may not have to clean it thoroughly every year, but professionals suggest that your cooling system should be inspected at least once a year.

If anything is malfunctioning, or your cooling system is out-of-date, you will want to get it replaced. Immediately. And it is recommended that you get something that has an ENERGY STAR rating. You will regret waiting until the middle of summer to fix any problems.

2. Air Conditioning OR Windows open – never both.

You probably got sick of mom and dad scolding you to keep doors and windows shut during the summer. But this is because hot air will follow cold air until the temperature is evened out.

If you have your AC on and you open the window to get the “best of both worlds,” what you are really doing is allowing all that hot air in and allowing the temperature of your house to rise. So make a choice: air conditioning OR windows open. Never do both. It’s a waste of money.

3. Insulate!

If you want to keep something that is cold cold… insulate! If you want to keep something that is it hot hot… insulate! It really is that simple.

Experts suggest starting to insulate from the top and working your way down from there. So, start with the attic and then start sealing everything else that may be letting cold air outside. The biggest culprit guilty of leaking hot air inside during the summer? Windows that are not properly sealed.

4. Use fans.

The great thing about ceiling fans or floor fans is that you can use them with or without your air conditioning running. Fans do not actually cool the temperature of the room. Instead, they keep you comfortable because they evaporate the moisture from your skin.

When you have a fan running, you will be able to feel more comfortable in higher temperatures. However, don’t leave a fan running after you leave the room or your home. This is just wasted electricity.

5. Shade your home.

Putting up barriers between your home and the sun will help keep you cooler and lower energy costs. This can be done many ways: by planting shade trees, adding blinds/curtains to the inside of your home, installing awnings to the outside of your home, etc.

If you want to stay cool this summer, start with your exterior! If you have any questions about energy-efficient roofing, siding, or window options that will properly keep your home sealed from the harsh heat of summer, contact our team!

Summer Home Improvement Projects

We did winter and spring home improvement tips – and now it’s time for summer!

Now that you finally want to start spending all of your time outside, you’re also going to want to make sure that your house is in its best condition! Like all exterior projects – physical appearance (or curb appeal) is just one of the benefits. But there are other benefits as well, including enhanced energy performance and increased home value.

Like with any new season, the first thing you should do is examine your roof, doors, siding, and windows for obvious problems, or “warning signs” that could mean a fix in the near future.

If you aren’t exactly sure what to look for, call us and we will schedule a time to come out and look at your home!

If you already know that your home is going to need a little extra care this summer, you’ve already come to the right place! At Aspen, our experienced team strives to provide the best service, care, and customer satisfaction in the industry. You’re in good hands.

Here are the 4 summer home improvement projects that you should consider this year:

Replace siding.

Your siding takes a lot of damage over the fall, winter, and spring. If you notice any scratches, dents, or cracks, it is time to replace your old siding. Because your siding is one of the first things passersby will notice, you want to make sure you are choosing the right product! Rest assured, at Aspen you are getting low maintenance, energy-efficient, and damage-resistant siding.

What does this mean for you?

• Lower maintenance efforts and, more importantly, costs.
• Increased home value.
• Lower noise levels and energy bills.
• The best looking house in the neighborhood!

New entry doors.

When choosing a new entry door with us, the hardest part will be deciding on which beautiful custom door to install in your new home. Our doors are guaranteed to never split, rust, shrink, or delaminate.

What does this mean for you?

• Increased home security.
• Longer-lasting and more efficient door.
• Higher resale value.
• The strongest door in the market!

Repair your roof.

The part of your home that takes the most damage during winter is your roof. With layers of snow and ice weighing down on your roof, there is a high chance of damaged shingles. You do not want to wait to repair your roof! Procrastination will ensure more costly repairs in the future. We carry roofing products from Atlas, a well-known and respected roofing company.

What does this mean for you?

• Lower energy bills.
• Improved curb appeal.
• Protection for you and your family!

Install new windows.

Stop throwing your money out the window! If you have old, worn, or damaged windows, you are wasting valuable money. Our replacement windows can be one of the smartest investments you make to your home!

What does this mean for you?

• Energy-efficient windows mean more savings.
• Lower maintenance costs and need for repairs.
• Increased protection for your family.
• Environmentally-friendly products!

Interested in a FREE estimate? Contact us today! We will work hard to make sure your home is summer ready!