When a home experiences heat gain, energy costs will rise as well. Your home’s insulation and airtightness should keep most of the heat out, but if your windows allow solar heat gain, it will likely increase your utility bills.
Although replacing older, inefficient windows is the ultimate solution to reducing heat transfer, the good news is that you can use a low-cost option, one that you may already have in your home:
- Window blinds – This type of window treatment is effective at lowering heat gain in the summer. Keeping interior blinds closed during the hottest times of the day, and using them on windows that face south and west, will help to ward off heat gain. And because you can adjust the blind’s slats, you can enhance visibility to the outdoors and ventilate your home. For optimal savings, use blinds that have a high rate of reflectivity.
- Drapes – Covering windows with draperies is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it will also reduce heat gain. As with blinds, drapes should be kept closed during key times of the day and on windows with high rates of solar radiation. For optimal results, use drapes with a backing made of white plastic and a medium color (avoid those that are too dark or too light). When installing them, be sure to hang the drapes down to the floor or windowsill, and as near to the window pane as possible. And seal them by using a cornice at the top and magnetic tape at the sides. Doing so can lower heat gain significantly.
- Shades – One of the lowest-cost ways to reduce heat gain, shades are easy to use, and choosing models with high-reflectivity materials on the exterior and heat-absorption properties on the other side will keep out the most heat.
Use what you already have in your home, or make a small investment, to keep heat gain at bay with window treatments. For expert help when saving energy, contact Mowery Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. We’ve been providing quality HVAC services to homeowners in the greater Indianapolis area for more than 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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