The Minnesota Homeowner's Summer Energy Guide

Minnesota summers are precious but demanding. We cherish those brief warm months, but they bring unique challenges for homeowners: intense humidity that tests our cooling systems, powerful thunderstorms that can damage roofs and trees, and a compressed timeline to complete essential home maintenance. 

Your home needs thoughtful care during these critical months.

Taking action now is an investment in your home's winter readiness. A well-maintained cooling system can reduce energy costs, while proper weather sealing prevents winter heating losses. 

Every homeowner deserves a comfortable, reliable home year-round, which is why we've created this practical guide to help you make the most of Minnesota's fleeting summer season.

Weather-Ready: Fortifying Your Home's Exterior

Preparing Your Home for Minnesota's Severe Weather

Minnesota's summer storms can be fierce and sudden. A well-prepared home can withstand whatever weather comes our way.

Roof & Gutter Check:

• Inspect your roof with binoculars for missing shingles or damaged flashing
• Clean gutters and ensure downspouts extend at least 5 feet from your foundation
• Pay special attention to areas that collected ice dams last winter

Tree & Electrical Safety:

• Trim branches away from your home and power lines before storm season peaks
• Install whole-house surge protectors and consider lightning rods if needed
• Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio handy

Weatherproofing After Winter's Wear

Winter's freeze-thaw cycles often leave your home defenseless when summer humidity invades.

Sealing & Siding Care:

• Test for drafts around windows and doors with an incense stick—moving smoke reveals leaks
• Replace weather stripping and caulk gaps to save on year-round energy bills
• Examine siding for cracks or warping that could let in moisture

Foundation & Deck Maintenance:

• Check for foundation cracks and ensure proper drainage away from your home
• Inspect deck boards, railings, and stairs for winter damage
• Apply water-repellent sealer every 2-3 years, ideally in early summer

Green & Clean: Minnesota-Smart Landscaping

Working with Minnesota's unique growing season means making the most of our brief summer while preparing for what comes next.

Lawn & Garden Tips:

• Mow at 3-3.5 inches height and water deeply (one inch) once or twice weekly
• Plant native species like Purple Coneflower and Black-Eyed Susan that thrive with minimal care
• Set irrigation systems to run early morning (4:00-7:00 a.m.) to reduce evaporation

Natural Pest Control:

• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed
• Create a three-foot barrier of wood chips between your yard and wooded areas to deter ticks

Indoor Comfort: Optimizing Your Home's Systems

Cool & Dry: Managing Minnesota's Humid Heat

Minnesota summers pack a powerful punch of heat and humidity that can strain your cooling systems and impact your comfort.

AC Maintenance Essentials:

• Schedule annual professional maintenance before summer arrives
• Replace air filters every 1-3 months, especially during peak cooling season
• Clear debris around outdoor units and ensure proper airflow
• Check refrigerant levels and electrical connections during tune-ups

Cooling Without Central Air:

• Strategically place window units or portable AC units in main living areas
• Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your home during cooler evening hours
• Use box fans in windows—pull cool air in at night, push hot air out during the day
• Close blinds and curtains during peak sun hours to block heat gain

Smart Cooling Strategies (for all homes):

• Use ceiling fans (rotating counterclockwise) to improve air circulation and feel 4 degrees cooler
• Avoid placing heat-generating appliances near thermostats or in main living areas
• Open windows early morning and evening when temperatures drop
• Consider cooling only the rooms you're actively using rather than the entire home

Humidity Management:

• Consider a separate dehumidifier for excessively humid areas
• Ensure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans vent outdoors
• Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth
• Check window seals to prevent humid air infiltration

Maintaining Your Home's Water Systems

After Minnesota's harsh winters, your home's plumbing and water systems need special attention to ensure they function properly all summer long.

Post-Winter Pipe Inspection:

• Check exposed pipes for cracks, leaks, or frost damage
• Look for water stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings
• Test water pressure at various fixtures throughout your home
• Address small leaks immediately to prevent bigger problems

Sump Pump Maintenance:

• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the basin to trigger operation
• Ensure the discharge pipe is unobstructed and directs water away from foundation
• Consider a battery backup system for protection during power outages
• Clean the pump inlet screen to prevent debris buildup

Water Conservation Tips:

• Fix dripping faucets and running toilets promptly
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Water lawns and gardens early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Consider rainwater collection systems for garden irrigation

Energy Efficiency Projects with Year-Round Benefits

Investing in energy efficiency upgrades to improve summer comfort and prepare your home for Minnesota's challenging winters.

Insulation Assessment:

• Check attic insulation levels
• Inspect wall insulation for gaps or settling
• Add insulation to rim joists and basement walls to prevent energy loss
• Seal attic air leaks before adding new insulation

Ventilation Optimization:

• Make sure attic has proper ventilation with one square foot of vent area per 150 square feet of attic space
• Check that soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation
• Install attic fans to remove super-heated air on hot days
• Consider whole-house ventilation systems for improved air quality

Smart Energy Management:

• Install programmable or smart thermostats to optimize cooling schedules
• Explore utility rebate programs for energy-efficient upgrades
• Consider a professional energy audit to identify improvement opportunities
• Look into Minnesota's Home Efficiency Rebate program (HOMES) for 2025 incentives

Local Wisdom for Local Weather

Planning for Minnesota's Seasonal Shifts

If there's one thing Minnesotans know well, it's the dramatic seasonal changes that shape our home maintenance calendar. This unique climate demands special attention as we transition from summer to fall and prepare for the challenging winter conditions ahead. 

Summer in Minnesota brings its own challenges, calling for emergency kits with flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food. 

Managing humidity is crucial during Minnesota summers, particularly in basements where dehumidifiers and regular use of exhaust fans can prevent mold and improve air quality. Don't wait for the first frost to prepare for fall—by mid-August, start checking weather stripping, schedule your furnace tune-up, and clean gutters before the leaves begin to fall. 

This early preparation will make sure that you won't be caught off guard by Minnesota's notoriously rapid seasonal shifts, giving you peace of mind as you transition from one season to the next.

Minnesota Resources for Homeowners

Minnesota homeowners have access to exceptional resources that can help make energy improvements more affordable and manageable. Here's your guide to what's available:

Energy Rebate Programs (2025):

• Minnesota Department of Commerce Home Energy Rebates: Offers rebates ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 for energy-saving home improvements
• Federal Tax Credits: The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a 30% tax credit on solar installations and other renewable energy improvements

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Resources:

• A Brush with Kindness Program: Provides critical repair assistance for low-income homeowners (on a limited basis)
• ReStore Home Improvement Outlets: Twin Cities locations offer new and gently used building materials at discounted rates
• Homeowner Resources: Habitat homeowners receive a 20% discount at ReStore locations

Community Tools & Services:

• Minnesota Tool Library: Membership-based libraries in St. Paul and Minneapolis where you can borrow tools for home projects
• Neighborhood Energy Workshops: The Center for Energy and Environment hosts regular workshops on energy efficiency improvements

The Year-Round Minnesota Home

Your Minnesota home deserves year-round attention, and summer is the perfect time to build that foundation of care. Every caulked gap, every trimmed tree branch, and every maintained system contributes to a home that's more comfortable, energy-efficient, and resilient through all four seasons. 

The modest investments you make today in summer maintenance will pay dividends in lower energy bills, fewer emergency repairs, and increased property value for years to come.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is here to support your home maintenance journey every step of the way. Beyond our ReStore locations with affordable renovation supplies, we offer workshops, resources, and community connections to help you learn, grow, and thrive as a homeowner. 

When we care for our homes, we strengthen our communities and build a better Twin Cities region for everyone.