When most people think about insulation, they immediately associate it with staying warm in the winter. But did you know that insulation plays just as big of a role in keeping your home cool during the summer? At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we often educate homeowners about how proper insulation works year-round to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
If your home feels hot and humid despite running the AC or if your energy bills spike during Michigan’s warmer months, your insulation may be underperforming—or missing altogether. Here’s why insulation is just as critical in the summer as it is in the winter, and what you can do about it.
How Insulation Works Year-Round
Insulation isn’t just for keeping heat in. It’s also essential for keeping heat out. During the summer, the sun beats down on your roof and walls, heating up your attic and living space. Without proper insulation, that heat transfers directly into your home, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Insulation acts as a thermal barrier. It slows down the movement of heat, helping to keep hot air outside and cool air inside. This results in:
- More stable indoor temperatures
- Lower cooling costs
- Reduced wear and tear on HVAC systems
- Improved indoor air quality and humidity control
At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we install insulation systems designed to work efficiently in all seasons, giving your home protection from both the summer heat and the winter cold.
Signs Your Home Needs Summer Insulation Upgrades
Many homeowners don’t realize their insulation is inadequate until they start feeling uncomfortable or seeing rising energy bills. Here are some common signs that your Greater Ann Arbor home may need new or additional insulation:
1. Uneven Indoor Temperatures
Does your upstairs feel like a sauna while your downstairs is freezing? Uneven temperatures are a classic sign of poor insulation or air sealing, especially in multi-level homes.
2. Skyrocketing Energy Bills
If your utility bills surge during the summer despite moderate thermostat settings, your insulation may be allowing too much outdoor heat in, overloading your AC unit.
3. Hot Walls, Ceilings, or Attic
Touch the ceiling or walls on a hot day—if they feel warm to the touch, your insulation may not be doing its job.
4. Humidity and Moisture Issues
Without proper insulation and ventilation, summer humidity can seep in, causing condensation, mold, or musty odors.
Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor offers free evaluations to help you determine if your insulation is up to par. Our experts will assess the type, condition, and amount of insulation in your attic and walls, and recommend the right solution for your home.
Best Types of Insulation for Michigan Summers
Different insulation types offer different benefits. At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we carry and install a range of products designed to perform well in our region’s summer heat and humidity.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass insulation is great for attics and wall cavities. It fills gaps easily and helps create a uniform barrier against heat transfer.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam expands to seal every crack and crevice, offering both insulation and air sealing in one step. It’s ideal for attics, rim joists, and basements where air leakage is common.
Batt Insulation
Pre-cut fiberglass batts are a cost-effective option for new construction or retrofit jobs in accessible spaces.
Our team will help you choose the best insulation material based on your home’s structure, existing insulation, and budget.
Don’t Forget About Air Sealing
Insulation works best when combined with air sealing. Gaps and cracks around windows, doors, attics, and foundations can allow hot air to sneak in and cool air to escape. Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor provides professional air sealing services to stop this energy loss and maximize the effectiveness of your insulation.
Benefits of Summer Insulation Upgrades
Investing in insulation before or during summer delivers several important benefits:
- Energy Savings:Â Save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs with upgraded insulation and air sealing.
- Better Indoor Comfort:Â Enjoy a consistently cool home, even on the hottest days.
- Increased HVAC Lifespan: Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, which reduces strain and can extend the system’s life.
- Environmental Impact:Â Reducing energy consumption means a smaller carbon footprint.
Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor is proud to help local homeowners stay comfortable and energy-efficient all year long.
Local Rebates and Tax Incentives
Homeowners in the Greater Ann Arbor area may qualify for energy rebates or tax credits by upgrading their insulation. The federal Inflation Reduction Act provides a tax credit of up to 30% (with a cap of $1,200) for insulation improvements. Local utility companies also offer rebates for energy efficiency upgrades.
Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor can walk you through available incentive programs and help you maximize your savings.
Don’t Wait—Insulate Before the Heat Peaks
Many homeowners wait until problems arise before taking action—but the best time to upgrade your insulation is before summer heat reaches its peak. Acting now ensures your home stays cooler, your energy bills stay lower, and your HVAC system stays happy.
At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we make the process easy and hassle-free. From inspection to installation, our experienced team handles every step with professionalism and care.
Call Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor Today
Insulation isn’t just for cold weather—your home needs protection in the summer, too. Whether you’re building a new home or improving an older one, Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor is your trusted partner for year-round energy efficiency.
Call us today at (734) 834-3455 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/Greater-Ann-Arbor to schedule your free insulation evaluation and get started on a cooler, more comfortable summer.