Your central air conditioning system fights a constant battle in the summertime. Its enemy? Heat gain. During the cooling season, as heat infiltrates your home, or is generated inside the house, your A/C is always working hard to remove it. Consequently, if you can find ways to reduce heat encroachment in your home, your cooling system won’t have to work as hard or use as much energy.
Following are some tried-and-true ways to reduce heat gain. The bonus is that most of these strategies also will reduce heat loss in the winter.
Windows
In a typical home, 50 percent of heat gain comes in through, or around, windows. This can happen as outside heat transfers through thin window panes; when warm air infiltrates through leaky window frames; and when the hot afternoon sun shines through windows. This can heat up a room significantly, forcing your A/C to work hard to counter it. Try Energy Star-qualified window panes, seal window frames with caulk and weatherstripping and cover sun-facing windows on sunny days. Consider installing tinted windows in your home.
Air Leaks
After air-sealing window frames, move on to doors, the attic and the outer perimeter of your home. Air leaks often can be found in spots where utility pipes, vents or wires penetrate the walls of the home. Use caulk, weatherstripping or spray foam to seal air leaks, depending on the type and size.
Insulation
Upgrade insulation throughout the house, paying special attention to the attic. Excessive heat builds up in attics on hot days, and without effective insulation and air sealing, some of that heat will find its way down into your living spaces. In addition, make sure your attic has proper ventilation, with the right type and amount of vents.
Indoor Heat Generation
Avoid using the oven or stove during the heat of the day. Wait to use the dishwasher and clothes dryer in the early morning before the house heats up.
For more information on reducing heat gain in your Dayton area home, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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