Getting Your Windows Ready For Summer
Posted on: 28 May 2015
Summer is just around the corner, and in most of the country that means it's time to focus on keeping the inside of your house cool and comfortable while outside temperatures rise. Running your air conditioner uses electricity and costs money. There are other things you can do to keep your home cool that will be easier on the environment and on your budget. Your windows may be letting in heat and letting cool air escape from your home. By making a few small changes to your home's windows you can prevent heat from coming in and cool air from leaving. Here are some things you can do to get your windows ready for the summer.
Energy-Efficient Windows: One way to keep your home cooler in the summer is to install new windows. Installing new windows can be an expensive proposition but can save you money in the long run. Newer windows have features available such as low-e reflective coatings to reflect some of the sun's rays. When you are looking for new windows, be sure to check the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The SHGC measures how much of the sun's heat is allowed through the window. A lower SHGC is beneficial in almost every part of the country, and in warmer climates such as Florida, it is the most important thing to look for in new windows.
Install UV blinds or curtains: If you don't have the money to invest in new windows, you can still keep UV rays from entering your home. Consider installing UV protective blinds or curtains on your windows, and keep them fully closed during the times of day when the sun is shining directly through the windows. A good set of UV protective blinds on a window can reduce heat gain through that window by as much as 45 percent. Contact a professional at a company like Brandt's Interiors & Workroom to learn more about what blinds would best serve your home.
Reflective Window Films: Window films prevent heat from coming through the windows by reflecting UV rays. Unlike curtains and blinds, window films allow you to enjoy the view from your window while still preventing heat from entering. Window films are available in a huge range of UV and heat reflectiveness. Some window films block as much as 72 percent of the sun's heat and can reduce cooling bills by 50 percent! If you don't want reflective coatings on all of your windows, focus on windows that face south or east, as those windows are subject to the most sunlight.
Weatherstripping: If there are small cracks around your windows, they will let cool air out and warm air in during the summer months. Check for cracks or gaps around your windows, and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping.
With some attention to your home's windows, you can reduce your energy bill and give your air conditioner a break during the hot summer months.
Share