When it comes to cutting down on our carbon footprint and monthly utility costs, it’s no wonder that windows have taken center stage. Large windows and doors are particularly beloved here in Colorado Springs.
Up to 40% of your home’s heating energy can be lost via your windows in the winter, according to a study from the Colorado Energy Office. In the summer, open windows and doors may let in up to 87% of the heat your home receives. Heat gain through an open window can be as much as 100 times more than that through an open, uninsulated wall in the same place.
We owe a lot to our country’s legendary warmth and sunny disposition.
However, the heat and UV rays of our southern sun do not have to be a part of bringing the outdoors in. Here are some of the methods we’ve found to make your house work for you rather than against you as we go on.
We’ve come up with a few suggestions of our own.
Our 5 Tips To Keep Your Colorado Springs Home Sunny but Cool This Summer
1. Make sure your home’s exterior is well-shaded.
Trees around your streets may be too young to provide much-needed summer shade if you live in a freshly constructed region. In order to make your home more efficient for cooling, shade as many hard surfaces as possible around it. 90 percent more efficient cooling may be achieved by planting trees, shrubs or vines in strategic locations around the residence.
An awning or a set of shutters can be used to create man-made’ shade.
Consider where you want to put your windows. Select deciduous or detachable choices (in the case of trees or vegetation) for windows that receive direct sunshine in order to maximize your heating efficiency in the winter.
Install exterior blinds
Installing exterior blinds is a great way to provide shade and comfort to your outdoor living space. Exterior blinds come in many styles and colors that can be matched to the other exterior features of your home. Depending on the product you choose, installation may just involve mounting blinds on either side of a window or putting up posts for bracket mounting.
If you have any doubts about installing your exterior blinds, turn to an expert in the field for advice – they will make sure everything is done properly and securely. With exterior blinds installed, you can enjoy the outdoors with greater comfort, privacy and protection from the elements.
2. Close your blinds
When it comes to lowering or eliminating your monthly energy costs, one of the simplest solutions is to close your blinds. By closing the blinds, you reduce the amount of sunlight coming into your home and reduce the need for air conditioning in summer months. This also helps keep your home comfortable during winter months by reducing heat loss.
Additionally, having your blinds closed can help provide eavesdroppers less opportunity to peep through them too! Closing your blinds is so easy and has many benefits – why not start today to reap the rewards?
3. Make sure there is no air movement near the windows
An excellent advice if you live in a climate where air conditioners are your only choice for cooling down is to make sure your windows are completely sealed. In the cold, this will assist reduce heat loss.
In order to keep the cold air inside your home from escaping into the Great Outdoors, you can use caulking or weather stripping, which is a rather simple method.
Using energy efficient shades is another approach to keep the air from escaping. In order to create a more pleasant climate in the room, honeycomb blinds contain a double layer of cells that trap cold air on one side while trapping heated air on the other, thereby inhibiting the passage of air. These energy-efficient blinds insulate your windows from the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Prevent sunlight and wind drafts
This is when a re-design of your window coverings may be necessary.
Blinds, shutters, or curtains may be a good investment for your windows if they’re not already there! It’s a good idea to keep the sun’s rays out of your house during the summer months. It shields your flooring and furniture from damaging UV rays while also slowing down the rate at which your rooms heat up. If you live in a place where the weather might be extreme, it’s a good idea to double up on your window coverings.
A simple blind may be used in the hotter months, but in the colder months, curtains can assist keep out both drafts and heat. Those energy-efficient blinds are also not to be forgotten about. For both summer and winter, they’ve been intended to be the least intrusive possible while yet delivering the performance you need.
If you don’t want to obscure the view at all, window film may be an alternative. To reduce glare, you have a wide range of window treatment solutions at your disposal.
Shutters may be a design element that has always appealed to you. Shutters, whether on the interior or exterior of your home, may significantly reduce your cooling and heating expenses. Remember to take into account the position of windows in relation to the winter and summer sun when selecting shutters, awning, and thick drapes.
Whatever you pick, the amount of money you’re willing to spend on a makeover is the deciding factor.
5. Consider the size and orientation of the windows
The size of your windows and their placement in respect to the sun should be taken into account while you are building or remodeling your house, as well. In this scenario, a lot of factors need to be taken into account. The sun’s path through the sky during the seasons of summer and winter. Exactly how you will heat and cool your home based on where your house is located on your block and the course of the sun.
If you’re planning a new construction or renovation in a region with more extreme seasonal changes, you might even want to consider installing double or triple glass. If you plan to stay in the same place for a long time, you’ll save a lot of money at the beginning.
FAQs
How can I make my sunny room cool?
The summer months can bring us a warm welcome outside, but if you’re in a room that is overly exposed to the sun, it can be an extremely uncomfortable experience. To make your sunny room cool and bearable during the hot months, there is plenty of options at your disposal. One of the best solutions is to invest in some window treatments such as thick shades or curtains that provide dark coverage. This will help block out heat from the sun and significantly reduce the temperature in your space.
Additionally, getting some indoor plants with large leaves can also help cool down a room as they naturally transpire and evaporate water into the air which can keep things nice and chill. Lastly, don’t forget to adjust any vents to blow cold air while using a ceiling fan or even just circulating air with a handheld one – all these components combined can help make your sunny room pleasant again!
How can I keep my room cool in summer without AC?
Summertime can cause hot and uncomfortable rooms. Thankfully, there are some easy tips to keep your room cool without air conditioning. To begin, you should make sure all windows are covered with blinds or curtains – this helps stop heat from the sun from entering your room. Additionally, open the windows at night to encourage cool air to enter; but be sure to shut them during the day when temperatures are hottest. Fans can also be used for additional cooling power: positioning several around the room can help get rid of trapped hot air.
If you want an extra boost of coolness, try a handheld spray bottle filled with cold water; spray into the air in short bursts and enjoy instant chill! Finally, speaking of water: plants in the room are another great way to help regulate temperature while bringing a touch of nature indoors.
How do I keep my house cool when away?
Keeping your house cool while away can be tricky, but a few adjustment after departure may assure that you come back to a cooled interior. Reducing the temperature of your thermostat before leaving is an excellent idea. You can also install window shades when you’re away to restrict excess sunlight and retain what little warmth your home produces.
Additionally, insulating windows and crevices with plastic sheets or caulking can help retain the chill air in your living space. Ceiling fans are another great option for circulating fresh air throughout the day for extra comfort when returning home. With some mindful preparation, you can certainly ensure that your house stays cool while you’re away.