Smart Energy Tips for Staying Comfortable in South Carolina Summers

Summer heat in the Midlands of South Carolina can be brutal. As temperatures soar, it’s tempting to keep your air conditioner running around the clock just to stay comfortable. But overusing your AC can lead to skyrocketing energy bills, wear and tear on your system, and even uneven cooling throughout your home.

The good news? There are smart, energy-efficient ways to keep your home cool without putting extra stress on your AC system. At Koala Insulation of the Midlands, we help homeowners find lasting solutions to beat the heat through proper insulation, air sealing, and energy-saving strategies. Here’s how you can maintain comfort this summer—without overworking your air conditioner.

1. Insulate Your Attic for Maximum Cooling Power

Your attic is one of the biggest sources of heat gain in your home. During the summer, attic temperatures can reach well over 130°F, and without proper insulation, that heat transfers directly into your living space—forcing your AC to work harder.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends R-38 to R-60 attic insulation for homes in warm climates like South Carolina. At Koala Insulation of the Midlands, we offer high-performance blown-in insulation and spray foam insulation to create a thermal barrier that keeps hot air out and cool air in.

Benefits of attic insulation include:

• Reduced heat transfer into living spaces
• Lower indoor temperatures
• Decreased energy consumption
• Less strain on your AC system

2. Seal Air Leaks to Prevent Hot Air Infiltration

Even small gaps around windows, doors, attic hatches, and electrical outlets can let in hot, humid air and let out your cooled indoor air. This leakage makes your HVAC system work overtime to compensate for the loss.

Professional air sealing eliminates these leaks, improving your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Koala Insulation of the Midlands uses caulk, foam, and weatherstripping to seal common problem areas and prevent unwanted air exchange.

3. Use Insulated Window Coverings

Windows are another major source of heat gain in the summer. Direct sunlight pours through glass and heats up your indoor space quickly.

To combat this, use insulated window treatments such as:

• Thermal curtains or blackout shades
• Reflective blinds
• Solar films

These treatments block solar radiation and help maintain cooler indoor temperatures during peak daylight hours.

4. Optimize Ventilation and Airflow

Improving airflow in your home helps distribute cooled air more evenly and prevents stagnant hot spots. Try the following:

• Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect (fans should rotate counterclockwise in summer).
• Install attic ventilation to exhaust trapped hot air—ridge vents, soffit vents, or attic fans work well.
• Keep interior doors open to allow air to circulate freely between rooms.

Better airflow supports your AC system by helping it cool more efficiently.

5. Upgrade Crawl Space or Floor Insulation

In many homes across the Midlands, crawl spaces allow hot, humid air to rise into the home, affecting both temperature and air quality. Insulating your crawl space with closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam board can block moisture, reduce heat gain, and improve your home’s cooling performance.

Koala Insulation of the Midlands specializes in crawl space insulation, especially for older or raised homes common in the region.

6. Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats help you maintain consistent temperatures without overcooling your home. They allow you to:

• Set efficient schedules based on your routine
• Adjust settings remotely from your phone
• Monitor energy usage in real time

Keeping your thermostat set to 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away can significantly reduce cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.

7. Use Appliances Wisely

Many household appliances produce heat—especially ovens, dryers, and dishwashers. Using these appliances during the hottest part of the day adds unnecessary heat to your home.

Helpful tips:

• Run heat-producing appliances in the early morning or late evening
• Cook outdoors when possible
• Use microwaves or toaster ovens instead of the stove

8. Shade Your Exterior

Strategic landscaping and shading structures can reduce how much sun hits your home’s exterior walls and windows.

• Plant trees or tall shrubs on the south and west sides of your home
• Install awnings or shade sails over windows and patios
• Use pergolas or covered porches to shield entryways from direct sun

Shading your home’s exterior can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees.

9. Get a Duct Inspection and Seal Leaky Ductwork

Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your cooled air by allowing it to escape into attics, walls, or crawl spaces before it ever reaches your rooms.

Koala Insulation of the Midlands offers duct sealing services to eliminate leaks, improve system performance, and ensure your AC isn’t working harder than it needs to.

10. Schedule a Home Energy Evaluation

Still not sure where your home is losing energy? A professional home energy evaluation from Koala Insulation of the Midlands can identify problem areas and recommend the most cost-effective solutions.

We use tools like thermal imaging to detect heat transfer, pinpoint insulation gaps, and assess ventilation effectiveness.

Save Money, Stay Cool, and Extend the Life of Your AC

When your home is properly insulated and sealed, your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to keep you comfortable. That means lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan for your HVAC equipment.

Koala Insulation of the Midlands is your local expert for:

• Attic, wall, and crawl space insulation
• Spray foam and blown-in insulation
• Air sealing and ductwork services
• Home energy audits

We’ll help you find the right combination of solutions to make your home cooler, more efficient, and more comfortable all summer long.

Call for a Free Estimate Today

Don’t wait for the next heat wave to take action. Prepare your home now and enjoy a cooler, more energy-efficient summer.

Call Koala Insulation of the Midlands at (803) 728-6082 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/midlands to schedule your free estimate today. Our experienced team is here to help you beat the heat—without breaking the bank.