(NC) As the weather gets warmer, it's time to catch up on projects around your home. But don't overlook those tasks that we typically associate with colder weather––things like caulking and weatherstripping are equally important in spring and summer months. They keep conditioned air from seeping out of your home and prevent warm air from seeping in, reducing your cooling costs and keeping your home more comfortable.

Another simple project that will help keep your home cool is topping up your attic insulation. It's an easy task that can go a long way towards lowering your household energy consumption. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss, forcing your AC unit to work harder than necessary and costing you money.

Topping it up is easy. Ideally, you want to aim for a depth of 16 inches (41 cm) of insulation for an overall R-value of 50. When existing insulation is present, simply level the existing material to the top of the joist. Lay Roxul Comfortbatt on top of joists, running perpendicular to the first or existing layer of insulation. Ensure batts are butted against each other tightly. Fit batts closely to cross joists. Cut batt if necessary (this can be done easily with a serrated blade or bread knife) and leave no space between layers. Don't forget to insulate the attic hatch to the same level as the rest of the attic. Apply weatherstripping to the edge of the hatch to reduce air leakage. Keep in mind that only IC-rated electrical fixtures can have insulation placed with zero clearance. Follow manufacturer's instructions and local building code to insulate around the chimney. Insulation begins working the moment it is installed and lasts throughout the life of the building, which means one, easy DIY project can provide years of savings.

Every effort made to reduce air leakage in your home's building envelope is like extra money in your pocket. Want to save even more? Try a few of these simple tips: reset ceiling fan blades to turn counter clockwise, replace light bulbs with energy-saving CFLs or LEDs, keep sunlight out of your home during the warmest parts of the day with window coverings or by landscaping with trees and shrubs, buy a programmable thermostat, and cook outdoors to keep your home cool. The savings you realize from greater energy savings can help you have even more fun in the sun this season.

Scott McGillivray is host and executive producer of the hit HGTV series Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays, a real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow Scott on Twitter @smcgillivray.

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