How Do Insulation and Air Sealing Lower Summer Energy Bills?

When summer temperatures climb, so do energy bills—especially if your home isn’t properly insulated or sealed. Many homeowners in the Greater Ann Arbor area crank up the air conditioning in an effort to stay cool, only to face skyrocketing utility costs. What most people don’t realize is that insulation and air sealing work hand-in-hand to create an energy-efficient home that stays cooler for less.

At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we help homeowners reduce their energy usage and enhance indoor comfort with tailored insulation and air sealing solutions. Understanding how these two services complement each other is the key to long-term savings.

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The Role of Insulation: Slowing Down Heat Transfer

Insulation acts as a barrier that slows the movement of heat between your home’s interior and exterior. In the summer, when it’s hot outside and cool inside, insulation helps keep the cool air in and the heat out. Without enough insulation—or if it’s improperly installed—your air conditioner has to work overtime to compensate for the heat seeping in.

Insulation is commonly installed in:

• Attics (the most critical area)
• Walls (exterior and sometimes interior)
• Floors above unconditioned spaces
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Garages and bonus rooms

Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor offers several types of insulation including spray foam, blown-in cellulose, and fiberglass batt insulation. Each has unique benefits, and our team can help choose the best solution for your home and climate.

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The Role of Air Sealing: Eliminating Drafts and Leaks

While insulation slows heat transfer, air sealing prevents the movement of air altogether. Air leaks allow hot, humid air to enter your home during the summer while letting conditioned air escape. Common sources of air leakage include:

• Gaps around windows and doors
• Recessed lighting
• Attic hatches
• Plumbing and electrical penetrations
• Rim joists and wall cavities
• HVAC ductwork

These leaks create invisible pathways for air movement, reducing the effectiveness of your insulation. That’s why sealing those cracks and gaps is just as important as insulating—one without the other leads to subpar performance.

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Why You Need Both Insulation and Air Sealing

Think of your home like a cooler. The insulation is the thick wall that keeps the cold in, while the air sealing is the tight-fitting lid that prevents air exchange. If your cooler has holes in the lid, no amount of insulation will keep your drinks cold for long.

Similarly, in your home:

• Insulation keeps indoor temperatures stable
• Air sealing locks in that comfort by stopping air leaks
• Together, they reduce the load on your HVAC system and save energy

At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we perform thorough evaluations of your home’s envelope to identify weak spots. We often find that homes with older insulation or those built before modern energy codes benefit tremendously from a combined approach.

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Summer Energy Savings in Greater Ann Arbor

The climate in Greater Ann Arbor includes hot, humid summers where air conditioning is a necessity. Homes that aren’t properly sealed and insulated experience:

• Hot spots in upper-level rooms
• Constant AC cycling and short lifespan of HVAC units
• High monthly cooling costs
• Discomfort, especially during heatwaves

By upgrading insulation and sealing leaks, homeowners can see up to 20% or more in energy savings on their summer utility bills. That means lower expenses, less strain on your HVAC system, and more consistent indoor comfort.

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Best Places to Insulate and Seal for Summer Comfort

Here are the top areas we recommend focusing on to maximize summer performance:

1. Attic

Hot attic air can reach 130°F or more in summer, radiating heat downward into your living space. Adding insulation and sealing around attic hatches, light fixtures, and ductwork helps stop that heat intrusion.

2. Walls

Exterior walls are major points of thermal transfer. Insulating and sealing gaps in framing, window openings, and outlets can reduce radiant and convective heat gains.

3. Basement and Crawl Space

Hot air doesn’t just enter from the top—it infiltrates from below. Rim joist air sealing and crawl space insulation keep hot, damp air out and improve indoor air quality.

4. Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and door frames let cool air escape and let hot air in. Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor uses caulking and weatherstripping to tighten these areas up.

5. HVAC Ducts

Poorly sealed ducts can lose 20–30% of your cooled air before it reaches your rooms. Sealing and insulating ductwork increases efficiency and keeps your home cooler.

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Why Choose Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor?

We’re more than just an insulation company—we’re your energy efficiency partner. At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we offer:

• Free evaluations and estimates
• Custom solutions based on your home’s needs
• Professional installation by trained technicians
• Top-quality materials and proven techniques
• Local expertise backed by a national brand

We understand the unique seasonal challenges of Michigan weather and how to prepare your home to handle them efficiently.

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Benefits of Insulation + Air Sealing in Summer

✔️ Lower monthly cooling bills
✔️ Less wear on your air conditioning system
✔️ Better indoor humidity control
✔️ Fewer hot spots and temperature swings
✔️ Improved indoor air quality
✔️ Higher home resale value
✔️ Increased comfort all summer long

Whether you’re dealing with high electric bills or simply want a cooler, more comfortable home, combining insulation and air sealing is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

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Conclusion

Insulation and air sealing are a powerful one-two punch for reducing summer energy costs and improving home comfort. While each has its benefits, the magic happens when they work together. With rising utility prices and longer hot seasons in Greater Ann Arbor, now is the perfect time to take action.

Call Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor today at (734) 519-0700 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/Greater-Ann-Arbor for a free estimate. Let our experts help you beat the heat and save money this summer—comfort starts here.