Renovation Season: 5 Smart Summer Projects That Boost Comfort and Health

By Kate Hamblet

Renovation Season: 5 Smart Summer Projects That Boost Comfort and Health

Summer often inspires us to tackle house projects, but not all renovations are created equal when it comes to comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor health. The warm months are the perfect time to make a few strategic upgrades that don’t just cool your home, they improve how it feels to live in, every day.

Here are five high-impact summer-friendly upgrades that align with a healthy and sustainable home:

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows

Older windows can let in unwanted heat and UV rays, making your home hotter and your AC work harder.

Why it matters: Modern, energy-efficient windows (look for double or triple-pane with low-E coatings) reduce heat gain while still letting in light.

Health bonus: Reducing heat and sunlight helps regulate indoor temperature and humidity, key to avoiding mold and improving air quality.

Summer tip: If full replacement isn’t in the budget, consider temporary upgrades like solar films or insulated curtains.

Improve Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Your attic is a major factor in how hot (or cool) your home feels. Poorly insulated or unventilated attics can trap heat, leading to overheated living spaces below.

Why it matters: Better attic insulation helps keep cool air in and hot air out, improving energy efficiency.

Ventilation tip: Add or upgrade attic vents like ridge and soffit vents.

DIY potential: Some insulation upgrades can be homeowner-led, depending on your setup.

Install (or Upgrade) Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a low-cost, energy-saving tool that improves comfort by creating airflow, and they use a fraction of the energy of an AC system.

Why it matters: Moving air feels cooler on the skin, allowing you to raise your thermostat without sacrificing comfort.

What to look for: Choose ENERGY STAR-rated fans with reversible motors for year-round use.

Design tip: In bedrooms and living areas, fan placement and blade direction make a noticeable difference in airflow and comfort.

Seal Air Leaks for a Cooler, Cleaner Home

Gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and in the building envelope allow hot air, pollutants, and allergens to creep in, especially during high-humidity summer months.

Why it matters: Sealing these leaks helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and humidity, reduces strain on your cooling system, and improves indoor air quality.

What to do: Use weatherstripping, caulk, or expandable foam to seal around windows, doors, and attic access points.

Bonus: Tighter air sealing also helps keep out summer pests!

Upgrade Window Treatments for Passive Cooling

Window treatments aren’t just decorative. They can significantly reduce summer heat gain and protect your indoor environment.

Interior motorized shades

Why it matters: The right coverings block solar radiation, reduce glare, and protect furnishings from UV damage.

What to look for: The best line of defense for keeping the sun’s heat out of the house is with exterior shading devices. Adding awnings or pergolas is a great way to protect your home’s comfort and add visual appeal to the house.

Comfort Bonus: Your indoor comfort levels and your energy bills will thank you.

When you're strategic about summer home projects, you not only make your home more comfortable for the season, you invest in long-term health, energy savings, and daily quality of life. These changes may be simple, but they’re powerful steps toward creating a more sustainable, healthy, and comfortable home. Don’t miss any sustainable and healthy home upgrades with Kate’s Design Checklist.

By, Kate Hamblet

The Wellness Architect Balanced Architecture

Kate helps health-conscious families create homes that support and promote health, happiness and longevity. You'll find her at www.balancedarchitecture.com