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More than a few Tennessee homeowners aren’t exactly thrilled when the summer season starts with the humidity and rise in utility bills. Fortunately, if you’re among these homeowners, there are ways that you can be comfortable both inside your home and with your energy consumption.
Don’t Skip Maintenance — If you already have a scheduled maintenance routine with your HVAC contractor, stick to the schedule. The last thing you want is your air conditioning system breaking down in the middle of a hot day. Regular maintenance also helps ensure longevity and helps avoid unexpected repair or replacement costs.
Clean the Filters Regularly — Clogged filters can reduce your air conditioning system’s output. Opening your patio doors for ventilation may allow dust and other particles into your home. Air filters typically require cleaning or replacement (if disposable) every month during seasons of heavy use. Consider investing in electrostatic filters. They’re easier to clean and help improve indoor air quality.
Use Your Fans — Running your fan while the air conditioner is turned on improves air circulation and helps cool the room faster and more evenly. This helps reduce AC output to reach your required room temperature, which may help you save on energy costs. For better air circulation, keep interior doors open during the day.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat — Your old-style thermostat may be contributing to your energy consumption. Whereas traditional thermostats take time to “catch up” to room temperature changes, smart thermostats do it almost instantly, which allows more efficient energy use. You can also program it so that it automatically reduces output when you’re not at home.
Address Insulation Issues First — Before you start buying replacement doors and windows, make sure insulation issues are addressed. No matter how good your new windows and doors are, you won’t get the full benefit if they’re improperly installed. Insufficient insulation in the attic and exterior walls are the usual culprits. However, you should also check the area around the patio door and window frames. Installation errors may leave gaps that could allow heat to pass through into your home.
Use Window Shutters — There are two sources of heat during summertime: radiant heat from the air and the ground, and the infrared rays from direct sunlight. Your home’s insulation minimizes radiant heat from getting inside. Since sunlight is a form of light, it can easily pass through clear glass. Window shutters are better than window treatments for blocking solar heat since it does so from the outside. This makes window shutters ideal for windows facing east-to-west.
Invest In Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows — The right replacement windows can help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, no matter how hot or cold it gets outside. Whether you prefer the traditional look of double hung windows or the contemporary look of casement windows, you need replacement windows that feature double-pane glass and insulated frames. More importantly, you need a replacement window company that will craft your windows and ensure proper installation. Thanks to our exclusive technologies, such as our Fibrex® material frames, you can trust Renewal by Andersen® to provide exceptional long-term performance and energy savings.
Invest In Light-Colored Exterior — White or light-colored siding has reflective properties that can reduce the heat that would otherwise get absorbed through the roof. Roofing manufacturers offer “cool” roofing systems that are either light colored or have reflective coatings. Keep these features in mind when your roof and/or siding are up for replacement.
Add Some Shade — In addition to a new set of sliding doors, one of the best updates you can do for your patio is to have an awning or patio cover installed for a shaded space. Also, as a long-term improvement, plant shade trees in your property.
Use Your Grill More — Using the oven and cooktop can increase heat and humidity in your home, so why not use your grill for cooking dinner? A covered grill can be used for cooking not just meat; using a cast iron pan, you can cook virtually anything, including stews and fish. You can even use the grill to bake pizza. With these tips in mind, you can start preparing your home for a comfortable and not-so-costly summer.
Renewal by Andersen of Nashville is your leading provider of energy-efficient replacement doors and windows. Give us a call at (866) 609-5033, or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Nashville and Clarksville, TN.