Though you might be tempted to replace your old air conditioning unit or upgrade to energy-efficient windows, there are many cheaper ways to keep cool during the summer months while increasing your home’s efficiency.
Window Treatments
Awnings- One of the simplest ways to keep your house cool is to prevent solar heat gain—in other words, block direct sunlight. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), window awnings can prevent solar heat gain by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows. When choosing window awnings, you should look for ones that are light-colored, tightly woven, and contain openings along the top or sides for ventilation.
Drapes and blinds- As with awnings, several factors determine how well indoor window treatments reflect solar heat. Medium-colored drapes with white-plastic backings have been shown to reduce heat gain by 33 percent. To maximize their potential, they should be installed with a cornice, be mounted as close to the window as possible, and sealed at both sides. However, blinds have been shown to be even more effective. Those with highly reflective backing can reduce heat gain by 45 percent while retaining the possibility for indirect lighting. During winter months, window treatments should be retracted to allow as much sun into your home as possible.
Caulking and Weatherstripping
These methods will help seal air leaks in your doors and windows. Caulk should be used in gaps less than a ¼ inch wide between stationary building materials, while weatherstripping is suited for moving components. There are a lot of different products to choose from, so it’s a good idea to look over the DOE’s chart of caulking and weatherstripping compounds to suit your needs. And, before you start, DOE recommends to first detect air leaks and assess your ventilation needs to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are one of the best ways for occupants to keep cool since they effectively create a draft throughout the room. This means that the thermostat can be raised 4 degrees without causing discomfort. The University of Florida says that lowering the thermostat by just 2 degrees can save between 4 and 8 percent in cooling costs. However, ceiling fans should be turned off in vacant rooms as they will offer no cooling benefit.
Cookout!
In addition to cooking with smaller appliances like your toaster or microwave, it’s beneficial to cook outdoors. This will prevent your oven from heating your home and forcing your AC to work overtime. When you do cook indoors, it’s best to do it during the coolest hours of the day and with your exhaust fan switched on.
Frazier’s Awnings by takomabibelot
