Keep Your House Cool With This Smart Window Closing Hack
Who doesn't want to save money on electricity costs? We persistently ensure the lights are off when not in use, put on layers of clothing when it starts to get cold, and it's always financially smart to find ways to avoid blasting your air conditioning when temperatures outside are undesirably hot. This is especially true now, as prices for electricity increased by 8% this year when compared to prices of 2021, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Luckily, there is a trick to keeping your home cool and electricity costs low. No, you don't have to purchase anything major or be an expert at home improvement to successfully execute this tactic. We'll guide you towards the necessary steps to keep temperatures in your home comfortable and push you away from the common mistakes many homeowners may not realize they are making. If you're ready to think smarter and not harder, take a look at this quick and easy way to cool down your home.
Keeping warm air out
Many homeowners believe that opening a window is a simple way to allow warm air to flow out of the house. On the contrary, this actually allows for warm air to flow inside. According to HGTV Canada, if temperatures in your home are cooler than temperatures outside, then it's advised to keep the windows closed. Opening them will only allow the heat to further raise the inside temperature of your property
You should practice this when temperatures are hottest outside, and also make use of window coverings to block out the sunlight. As for knowing when to open windows and when to keep them closed, during the night and early morning, it's recommended to open your windows and allow the cooler air to circulate throughout your space. You can also use window fans to encourage cross-ventilation during this time. When you do close your windows later on in the day (e.g., mid-morning), much of that cool air will hopefully stay inside.
Keeping the sunlight out
As for keeping the sunlight out, GreenSavers recommends using insulated cellular shades because they're capable of repelling up to 80% of the heat attempting to soak into your home through the windows. You could also install blackout blinds, according to Krumpers Solar Blinds. Blackout blinds are solid, so you won't have to deal with light seeping through the seams. This is also an option for those who want to maintain the current aesthetic of their home, as the shades come in different colors and patterns. One disadvantage to using blackout shades during the day, however, is that you won't have any access to natural light, which then can push homeowners to turn on more lights during the day.
Lowe's says you can also try using heat-control window film to reflect the sun's heat and consequently keep things cooler on the inside. Should you opt for this solution, be sure to cover every inch of your window with the film to avoid poor performance. Don't want to purchase window film? Krumpers Solar Blinds notes you can also try to insulate with bubble wrap for the same effect, but be sure each bubble is pressed firmly against the window. It may not be a perfect option design wise, but it's a quick fix for those who want to get out of the heat.