As temperatures climb to higher and higher numbers, you likely start to notice the effect on your body. Just as heat has an impact on our bodies, it also affects our homes. You may have noticed your air conditioning working harder and more often and a corresponding increase in your energy bills.

Heat seeps into our homes, and extreme temperatures can wear things down. Whether you live in a warmer climate like Phoenix or a mixed climate like Oshawa, we all want our homes to run efficiently.

Luckily, there are a few upgrades you can make that will not only help to keep your home cool but will also likely have a positive effect on the value of your home. Take a look at some of the best upgrades to make to protect your home from extreme heat.

Update Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are essential to your home’s curb appeal, and any Oshawa real estate agent knows curb appeal is critical. But it’s not just about looks. Making aesthetic changes that are also functional and have a purpose packs a big punch.

Replacing old doors and windows is one of the most significant changes you can make to be able to have better control over the temperature inside your home. Old windows and doors typically have less insulation and can be prone to air leaks. At the same time, newer energy efficient models take advantage of the latest technologies to reinforce the barrier between your home’s internal temperature and the temperature from the outside.

When upgrading, consider wood, vinyl or clad frames and look at different options that include insulated glazing or multiple panes of glass. These will help increase your home’s insulation, and your cooling system will thank you for it, as it won’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

Replace Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most vital elements of your home. It protects you, your family and all of your belongings. It also bears the brunt of extreme heat, sitting exposed to the sun all day long. This forces your home’s cooling system to work overtime trying to cool your house. That’s where cool roofs come in.

Cool roofs are typically made either with highly reflective paint, reflective tiles or shingles, or a sheet covering, all of which help to reflect the sunlight and cause your roof to absorb less heat throughout the day.

Increase Insulation

It may not sound like the most exciting upgrade, but adding foam insulation to your attic and other areas is an incredibly effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and prevent the cool air inside your home from leaking out. This is also one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades that significantly improves the comfort of your home.

It’s nice to get outdoors and enjoy the sun and heat, but it’s also important to be able to get away from it when temperatures become too hot. Take some steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable while likely seeing an impact on your energy bills.