If you have at least one kid in your house, there is a good chance that you have experienced at least one broken window in the past - if not, there is probably one in your future. Do you know what to do if a window or glass door is broken in your home? How you clean it up, who replaces it and how you handle the entire situation will all have an impact on the outcome. My site contains tips for dealing with a broken window or glass door in your home. Hopefully, you will be able to learn from my many experiences and avoid the mistakes that I have made.
Relying solely on your air conditioner to keep things cool at home throughout the summer season may be convenient, but the practice will likely drive your energy bills up each month and put a lot of wear and tear on your HVAC system as time goes on. Whether or not you live in a climate that requires continual use of your air conditioner day and night, or you only need relief from the heat when your home gets direct sunlight, it's a good idea to take some steps that will keep your household naturally cool during the summer. A naturally cool home is sure to save you some money on energy and help keep your air conditioner in good shape throughout the years. Here what you can do around the house to naturally cool things down:
Spruce Up the Windows
There are a variety of things you can do to your windows that will increase your home's overall energy efficiency that are helpful both in the summer and winter seasons. Damaged windows tend to let unwanted air into the home and encourage moisture and mold to build up on the window panes and frames, so start by hiring a professional to repair any cracks, chips, or scratches in your windows. Repairing your damaged windows as opposed to replacing them can save you a significant amount of money and provide your home with effective weather protection for many more years to come, so it may be a good idea to check out a few sites of window repair companies, such as http://www.unitedglassaurora.com.
It's also a good idea to support the performance of your windows by sealing them up after they've been repaired. Just apply a layer of spray foam insulation or caulking around each window's frame and pane to decrease incoming air flow. For even more protection from exterior heat, apply insulation film to each of your windows. Window film can reduce temperatures in your home throughout the summer by reducing heat gain by up to 70 percent. Insulation film will also protect your flooring, walls, and furniture by blocking harmful UV rays as they try to enter through your windows. This type of film comes in a variety of colors, shades, and designs, making it possible to create a uniquely customized look in each room of your home.
Consider replacing your blinds or drapes with shades too. Window shades are simple to use and provide impressive energy saving opportunities all year long. Use dual shades that are designed to absorb heat on one side and reflect light on the other. You can reverse the shades when the seasons change to minimize heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. To create a sealed air space around each window, mount your new shades as close to the glass as possible and make sure that the sides of the shades fit snug against the surrounding walls.
Plant Some Trees in the Yard
New trees in your yard will not only provide your home with weather protection, but they are also sure to increase your property value by up to a whopping 20 percent overall. Consider planting deciduous trees in front of windows that get direct sunlight during the day and near your exterior HVAC unit. Deciduous trees are effective because they're full of large lush leaves in the summer which will shade your home from the sun's heat. In winter months, deciduous trees lose their leaves and will allow the sun to naturally warm things up inside. Plant one or more of the following options:
Magnolia
Red Maple
Black Gum
Sourwood
Chinese Elm
Before planting your new trees, make sure you have a clear understanding of how large they will be at maturity so you can plant them far enough away from your home that their branches won't damage your roof if they break and fall off as they age or are exposed to extreme weather conditions.
All it takes is a little legwork and commitment to save some money on energy and make your home comfortable for the whole family when it's hot outside.
Share2 May 2016
