Keeping a house at a comfortable temperature is easy when you depend on an HVAC system to do it for you. However, you may want to reduce your energy usage by relying on your windows instead. Here are some tips that will help you reduce your energy usage and while still allowing your home to feel comfortable.
Add Window Insulation
You may find that old windows are lacking the insulation that they need to help with comfort in the winter. The cold air will be leaking through, making any couch or chair next to a window feel like you have a slight breeze. You can fix this problem by adding window insulation.
Window insulation is easy to install on your own in the winter. Your local home improvement store sells a window insulation kit that has all of the materials that you need. It includes a plastic window film and tape to secure it in place. Just make sure to carefully take it down in the spring so you can save it for next winter.
The insulation helps reduce condensation, stops the drafts, and improves comfort. You’ll also lose less heat from your furnace, so the furnace will not have to work as hard. The film does this by absorbing all the UV light from the sun and reflecting the infrared light.
Install Window Fans
The best way to cool down your home in the summer is to keep your windows closed during the day to prevent heat from coming in. When the temperature drops at night, open the windows to bring in all that cool air.
If an open window is not enough to force a breeze through your home, you can install window fans that will help move the air for you. They are easy to install and take down when needed so that they won’t be a permanent fixture in your home.
Window fans will reduce dependence on your air conditioner, which will save energy and improve overall comfort.
Strategically Open Windows
Some thought should go into how you open windows throughout your home. Opening windows on one side of your home may not be as effective as the other side. You want to use the wind direction to your advantage to create a cross breeze.
If you have winds blowing from the north, open windows on the north and sound side of your home. Creating a cross breeze does not require that the windows are directly across from each other since the wind will find a way through your home. The breeze will push out all the old air, dust, and pollutants that are in your home as well.
Cross breezes can be a very efficient way to cool down a home when you have the wind as an advantage. Shut off your air conditioner and let nature do the cooling for you.
Purchase New Windows With The Correct U-Factor
The region of the country you’re in can make a big difference when purchasing windows. More energy is used to heat a home in the winter than to cool a home in the summer, which is why Ohio homes should focus on window performance in the winter. Look for windows with a low U-factor between .27 and .30.
In the summer, you want to provide as much shade as possible to your window to prevent heat from coming in. While this may be naturally happening already with trees, you can add awnings to your home that will cut back on how much light comes inside during the day.
Work with Clear Choice Exteriors Your Local Window Depot if you need help selecting the right type of windows to keep your home energy efficient and comfortable.
