Did you know that 30% of your home’s energy is lost through your windows? In summer months, about 75% of the sunlight hitting your windows translates to heat (source: energy.gov). This heat increase due to sunlight is known as solar gain. If you notice that your house feels like a greenhouse in the summer, this month’s newsletter is for you.
| Windows are beautiful – they bring the outdoors in, make your space feel larger, allow for views, and for the most part are a benefit to your living situation. As wonderful as windows are, they do have their drawbacks when it comes to energy conservation. Newer windows are more energy efficient than old ones, but window installation can become pricey, especially if you have many windows that need to be replaced. |
| If replacing windows is not on your radar, but keeping your house cooler is, here are some options: Window coverings: Install blinds or curtains, focusing on the sides of your house that the sunlight hits the most. Keep the blinds and curtains closed during the sunny hours of the day.Blackout curtains have a darkening layer behind the visible part of the curtain. Heavy, thick drapery will also help. These are the most affordable options.Cellular blinds or honeycomb blinds have cells that trap heat. There are single, double, and triple layer cellular blinds. They can be customized to fit your windows, thus eliminating most of the sunlight from entering through the fitted windows.Trees: Leafy, deciduous trees are a perfect natural solution for sunlight control. In the hot summer months, the leaves fill out, filtering sunlight and reducing the amount of sun heat that reaches your home. In the winter when the leaves fall, more sunlight can reach your home. This increases your solar gain, which helps warm your home in the cold months.Awnings: A permanent fixture to the exterior of your home, awnings are helpful if you have windows or doors that are consistently getting more sun than you would like. They keep the area shaded throughout the day, lowering the temperature of the air surrounding (and seeping in) your windows and doors. There are retractable awnings available, so you can adjust how much shade you’re receiving throughout the day.Fans: Set your fans to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. This pushes cool air down. |
Dinner ideas: Heating up the stove or oven can make it difficult for your air conditioner to keep up. Take advantage of the longer days by cooking dinner outdoor on the grill. Try your hand at hearty salads with pre-cooked items, like chicken strips. Use a slow-cooker to keep the heat in the kitchen manageable.
Air conditioner maintenance: Replace your filters. Schedule a maintenance check-up to ensure your AC unit is in tip-top shape.
These tips should help keep your house a little more comfortable as we head into the hottest temperatures of the year. If you have any other ideas that have worked for you and your home, we’d love to hear them!
As always, give us a call if you need help with anything. 443-221-4661
