Keep the Heat Out and the Savings In

Window shading | Roofs |Weatherstripping | Caulking

When heat and light enter your home through windows and doors, your air conditioner works harder, resulting in higher energy bills. However, there are some simple things you can do to prevent excessive sunlight from entering your home, which will save you money and make your home more comfortable.

Window shading

If you have windows or glass doors in your home that face east or west, chances are, you're letting unwanted heat into your home. An easy way to reduce your cooling costs is to shade these areas from the sun. You can do this through:

• Landscaping - helps stop heat before it ever reaches your window.
  • Can be a low-cost, effective option, but may take years to grow.
  • Plan before you plant. Always consider the mature size of trees and palms when planting around your home and near power lines.
• Awnings - help stop heat before it ever reaches your window.
  • Work best when the sun is high in the sky.
  • Shade windows effectively, but not cost effective based on energy savings alone.
• Window coverings - tinted or reflective window film helps reduce the sun's heat from entering your house.
  • Keep interior shading, such as curtains, blinds or shades closed during the day for greatest efficiency.
  • Shade windows effectively, but not cost effective based on energy savings alone.

Roofs

Whiter roofs reflect more of the sun's heat and help lower electric bills. When reroofing or building a new home, consider how choice of roof color and material will affect your energy bill.

* Note: Compared to a dark gray shingle roof. Annual air conditioning savings for a 1,770 square foot home.

Weatherstripping

This is an inexpensive solution to help reduce the amount of air that enters or escapes your home through doors and windows. Types of weatherstripping include:

• V-shaped vinyl - most versatile type because it can be used almost anywhere and is inexpensive and easy to install.
• Adhesive-backed foam - easy to install, but less durable than other types.
• Spring metal - a durable option, but more difficult to install.
• Door sweep - an inexpensive way to seal gaps between the bottom of the door and threshold.

Caulking

This is an additional way to reduce unwanted airflow, but only worthwhile when done as part of another project, like painting.

Here's a helpful hint: Use silicone or siliconized acrylic caulk because these types have the longest life span, work well on most surfaces and will maintain their elasticity.