Beat the Heat: Summer Tips to Keep Your Home Cool and Energy-Efficient

Summer in DuPage County can be relentless. Between the sweltering sun and sticky humidity, your home can quickly turn from cozy to uncomfortable, and energy bills can skyrocket. At Storm Guard of DuPage, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Westmont, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Darien, and beyond stay cool while protecting their home’s exterior and interior performance.

Here’s your go-to guide for keeping your home cool, efficient, and summer-ready.

Start With the Roof Over Your Head

Your roof isn’t just a barrier from rain and snow; it plays a major role in heat absorption. A poorly maintained or aging roof can trap heat in your attic, leading to higher interior temperatures and excessive stress on your HVAC systems.

What You Can Do:

• Inspect for Missing or Damaged Shingles: Roof portions that have missing or damaged shingles allow excess heat to seep into the attic.
• Schedule a Roof Inspection: Professional roofing contractors in DuPage County, like Storm Guard, can assess your roof’s condition and make recommendations. We can even inspect your roof, and your home’s exterior using a drone, so you don’t even need to be there when the inspection is conducted.

Consider Reflective Roofing Materials: These bounce back UV rays and reduce heat absorption. We offer energy-efficient options that are perfect for the summer season.

Ensure That Your Attic Has Proper Ventilation (It’s More Important Than You Think)

When attics overheat, that warmth radiates through your ceiling, raising the temperature in the floors below, causing your AC to work harder and consume more electricity.

Pro Tips:

• Check Your Soffit and Ridge Vents: Proper airflow draws hot air out and allows cooler air in.
• Check Your Insulation: It’s not only important to make sure that your insulation is in good condition and that you have the correct ‘R’ value, but it’s also important to make sure that your insulation isn’t blocking your ventilation.  If your insulation goes edge to edge, it may cover your soffit (intake) vents.
• Install a Solar Power Attic Fan: These fans help circulate air without driving up your energy bills.
• Seal Gaps and Insulate: Cracks around vents and ducts can leak warm air into your home.

Update or Maintain Your Windows and Doors

Older windows and doors are notorious for letting in hot air and letting cool air slip out. It’s like running your AC with the front door open.

Fixes & Upgrades:

• Schedule a Comprehensive Window and Door Inspection: At Storm Guard of DuPage, we leave nothing to chance when checking your windows and doors for air leaks.  We use infrared thermography to determine whether there is air movement through them.
• Weatherstripping: Affordable and effective at sealing small leaks.
• Window Film or Solar Shades: These cut down on UV penetration and glare.
• Energy-Efficient Windows: If your windows are more than 15-20 years old, replacing them could reduce cooling costs dramatically.

Siding: More Than Just Curb Appeal

Your siding acts as an insulation barrier. Cracks, holes, or warped panels can let heat and humidity creep in.

Summer Siding Checklist:

• Inspect for Damage: Look for signs of warping, bubbling, or pest infestation.
• Wash Your Siding: A clean surface reflects more heat and helps prevent mold from moisture build-up.
• Upgrade When Needed: Vinyl and fiber cement siding are durable, low-maintenance, and offer excellent insulation.

Keep Gutters Clean and Flowing

It may not sound connected to cooling, but clogged gutters can cause water damage that ruins insulation, which then compromises roof shingles and introduces humidity and mold into your home.

Maintenance Musts:

• Clear Leaves and Debris: Especially after spring storms.
• Check for Leaks and Sagging: These can cause water to pool, discharge incorrectly, and even damage the foundation.
• Add Gutter Guards: Less cleaning means more efficiency.

Landscaping That Keeps You Cool

Your yard can be a natural shield against summer heat when planned correctly.

Smart Yard Ideas:

• Plant Shade Trees: Strategically placed, they can cool your roof and windows.  

Special Note: be careful not to plant trees too close to your home.  Branches that touch your home can shorten the life of your roof or siding.

• Install Pergolas or Awnings: Great for patios and south-facing windows.
• Use Light-Colored Mulch or Gravel: It reflects sunlight and cools the soil around your foundation.

Consider a Cool Roof or Coating

If your roof is nearing the end of its life, or you just want a smart upgrade, a cool roof or reflective coating can significantly reduce indoor temperatures.

Cool Roofing Benefits:

• Reflects Sunlight: Bounces sunlight back into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it.
• Reduces HVAC Strain: Minimizes the amount of work the HVAC needs to do to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Extends Roof Life: Helps slow down the roof’s material degradation by reducing thermal stress.

Be Smart About Thermostat Settings

Many homeowners set their thermostats too low or make drastic changes throughout the day.

Smarter Cooling Strategy:

• Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set it to rise slightly when you’re not home.
• Target 76-78°F: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends this for balanced comfort and efficiency.
• Zone Your Cooling: Close vents in unused rooms or consider zoning systems.

Plan Annual Maintenance Appointments

Prevention always costs less than emergency repairs. Summer is prime time for HVAC, roofing, and exterior system checkups.

Recommended Services:

• Roof & Gutter Inspection
• Siding Evaluation
• Window/Door Checkups
• Solar Attic Fan Cleaning & Maintenance
• HVAC System Tune-Up

Bonus Tips: Quick Tricks to Beat the Heat Indoors

• Close blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours. In our area, pay extra attention to blinds and curtains on your home’s South and West-facing sides, which receive the most daytime sun.
• Run ceiling fans counterclockwise. This pushes air downward for a cooling effect.
• Cook outside or use the microwave. Ovens can increase indoor temps by 5°F or more.
• Swap out incandescent bulbs. LED lights run cooler and use less energy.
• Use dehumidifiers. Lower humidity produces cooler feeling air, even at higher temps.

Final Thoughts

Summers in DuPage County are getting hotter and longer. Keeping your home cool is more than just about comfort, it’s also about protecting your investment and reducing energy waste. You can enjoy a cooler, more efficient home this summer with a few smart updates and seasonal checkups.

And if you’re not sure where to start, reach out to Storm Guard of DuPage. From roofing and siding to windows and ventilation, we’re here to help keep your home cool, efficient, and protected, no matter how hot it gets outside.

We serve homeowners in Westmont, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Aurora, and beyond. Contact us today for FREE exterior inspections.

Storm Guard of DuPage – Your Trusted Local Roofing Contractor in DuPage County

825 N. Cass Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 812-1716