While Wisconsin is known for the cold, our summers can get hot! Without proper home preparation, summer fun can quickly turn sour. Windows are an often-overlooked part of your home’s cooling system, but without proper consideration and maintenance they can become a major culprit behind a too-hot household.
Here are some tips on how to keep heat out of your windows this summer so your home stays cool no matter the temperature:
Seal Cracks and Leaks
Even a powerful A/C system won’t be very effective if your windows aren’t properly insulated. Any cracks or leaks will allow your home’s cool air to escape and outdoor heat to seep in. Inspect your windows visually and feel for drafts on windy days to identify any leaky areas.
Once identified, consider installing weatherstripping or sealing leaks with silicone window caulk, or install long-term insulation like foam boards for an energy-efficient window treatment. Ensure your windows are locked when not in use to create a tighter seal.
Consider Solar Shades and Window Covers
Harsh sunlight coming through the windows can quickly turn your home into a sauna. Consider installing solar shades or curtains to block out sunlight, and make sure they’re drawn from late morning to early evening. You can also use insulated window films with UV protection for a similar effect.
Open and Close Your Windows Strategically
Early mornings and nighttimes are ideal opportunities to open windows in the summer. This will keep your household comfortable and lower your home’s overall temperature before you operate your A/C during the day’s peak heat. Just remember to shut them before using your A/C! Otherwise, your cool air will (quite literally) go right out the window and you will have wasted energy for nothing.
If it’s a cooler, less humid day, consider giving your A/C a break and open your windows throughout the entire day.
A note on humidity: While opening your windows at night can let in cooler air, it can also let in moisture, which can dampen carpet, furniture, drapes, beds, and other items in your home. A/C units work overtime to remove moisture and humidity, leading to higher operation costs and inefficiencies. If the air is very humid, avoid opening the windows even at night and instead use fans or alternative methods to stay cool.
Look Beyond Your Windows
If you notice your home is still too warm even after implementing these suggestions, your windows may not be the problem. Your A/C system may be running inefficiently or in need of repair. A Harker expert will be able to inspect your A/C unit, identify inefficiencies and needed repairs, and offer next steps through our heating and cooling services.
Struggling to keep windows cool in summer? Contact us today for an A/C consultation in Madison to keep your home comfortable.
