Summer is here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your home cool without cranking up the air conditioning. There are a few ways to create a comfortable living environment while reducing energy costs. We’ve outlined some of our favorite ways to keep the heat out of your home without raising the energy bill or sacrificing comfort and natural light.
1. Energy-Efficient Windows
One effective way to reduce energy costs is to use the natural light that comes in through your exterior doors and windows. However, natural light can also bring in heat during the spring and summer. Utilizing the latest in window technology lets you keep the heat out without blocking light from coming in.
Heat-blocking, low-emissivity (low-E) windows and films block UV rays from entering your home. This can reduce your energy bills by preventing heat from entering during the summer and exiting during the winter. You can install the film right on top of your existing windows. If you have windows that need replacing, this is an excellent opportunity to upgrade to low-E windows.
2. Proper Ventilation
There are a handful of natural and mechanical ways to create adequate ventilation in your home to keep temperatures down. Cross ventilation allows you to open windows and exterior doors on opposite sides of your home to create a natural airflow that helps cool down indoor spaces. Night purging is another natural process that involves opening windows at night when temperatures drop to let in cool air and closing them in the morning to trap the cool air inside.
There are a few mechanical ways to add ventilation to your home. Ceiling fans circulate air within the space, creating a wind-chill effect that makes you feel more relaxed even if the temperature remains the same. Installing whole-house fans in the attic is an effective way to keep the whole home cool because they pull air through open windows and exhaust hot air through attic vents. If you are interested in installing a whole-house fan in your attic or a ceiling fan in a room that currently doesn’t have one, we recommend hiring licensed and trained professionals to maximize safety and efficiency.
3. Smart Window Treatments
Consider using smart window treatments, like motorized shades or blinds, that can be programmed to close during the hottest parts of the day. Heat-reflective blinds are an extremely effective solar solution for keeping your home comfortable while offering a more elegant and modern aesthetic. Reflective blinds come in varying levels of transparency depending on how much light you want to let into your home or how much visibility you want to have when looking out.
4. Insulated Exterior Doors
Your exterior doors can be a significant source of heat gain. Replacing old, inefficient doors with insulated models can keep the heat out and help reduce energy bills over time. Look for an ENERGY STAR® certified door, which properly insulates and seals your home to reduce energy waste and decrease costs.
5. Regular Window and Door Maintenance
Our experts recommend regularly inspecting your windows and doors to ensure they are well-maintained. Check for gaps, cracks, and leaks around the frames, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any you find. You can also clean windows and doors according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to maximize lifespan and keep dirt and grime from building up.
Implementing just a few strategies above can create a cooler, more comfortable home while reducing energy costs. If you’ve noticed air leaking from your home, higher energy bills in the spring and summer, or want to learn more about ENERGY STAR® certified windows and door replacements, contact our experts today. We can help you enhance your home’s energy efficiency and create a pleasant living environment for your family to enjoy all summer.
