The windows attached to your home let in more light and airflow. If your home didn’t have windows, then it wouldn’t be the same.
The windows attached to your home let in more light and airflow. If your home didn’t have windows, then it wouldn’t be the same. Sunshine entering the windows puts more heat into your home, which in turn makes your air conditioner have to work harder. The sunlight that reaches your windows increases something called “solar load.” Solar load increases the energy usage of your home. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce it.
Keep the Sun Away
First things first, try your best to keep the sun away from your windows. Even though you want to let more light in through the windows and skylights, you must do it in a smart way to keep the solar load down. One way to reduce energy consumption is to plant shade trees and shrubs that can shield your windows. Put these trees and shrubs on the southern exposure of your home and watch as you save energy and money.
Use Blinds
Our next piece of advice is to use blinds on your windows. Most windows already come equipped with blinds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t customize your blinds! There are many shapes, sizes, and colors for you to choose from, and that way, you can match them with your interior decoration. Today’s blinds are incredibly easy to install and can protect your furnishings and belongings from sunlight-induced fading — as long as you keep the blinds closed.
Use Layered Curtains
Another idea is to use layered curtains. As effective as blinds are, they might not be able to stop every ray of sunlight coming through into your home. A heavier curtain can capture the remaining rays, allowing you to control how much light you let in. Once you are able to do that, you can reduce the solar load on your windows and the heat inside your home.
Replace Old Caulk
Old caulk around your windows can be more problematic than you might think. Applying fresh layers of caulk can help stop drafts which can help make your energy bills go down. Even if this isn’t a long-term solution, it is still helpful in the short term. Before trying more drastic measures, see if this method makes a difference. If it doesn’t, then it might be time to think about replacing your windows. You don’t have to worry about every window, just the ones that you know are problematic.
Replace Drafty Windows
As we alluded to above, consider replacing some or all of your windows. Drafty windows need to go. Older windows probably don’t fit in their openings anymore, which contributes to the draftiness. Whether you need new single pane windows or double pane windows, it could be time to make the switch. Replacement windows can be fitted with thicker panes of glass, which can also reduce the levels of solar load on your home.
Home Improvement by Capital Remodeling
Capital Remodeling is ready to transform and beautify your home in Maryland, Virginia, and Atlanta this summer with quality home improvement services that will exceed your expectations. With our reasonable prices and flawless customer service, you will love the results. If you’re ready for a professional, all-inclusive, free quote, visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-300-6780. If you’d like to see our previous projects, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Houzz, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Tags: replacement windows, solar load, windows