Big windows are a coveted design element in homes. They let in lots of natural light and make a living space feel much more open. Statistics show that 25-30% of your AC bill comes from windows that are inefficient at blocking out excess heat.
You don’t have to suffer the financial consequences of a faulty window that ramps up your energy bill. Here’s how to fix up your windows so that you can have long term sun protection and a lower overall energy cost.
Window Tint
When UV rays enter your home through your windows, it creates excess heat that your air conditioning unit has to compensate for. You can avoid this problem altogether by installing tinted vinyl shades on your sunniest windows.
Window tints are an inexpensive way to protect your interior from UV rays. Estimations show that window tints can block out 80% of the heat caused by the sunlight pouring through your windows.
Windowtint.com: $26.97 per roll
Shade Trees
Planting shade trees in front of your sunny windows is a great, environmentally-friendly way to reduce the temperature of your home. They block out sunlight, create more oxygen, provide a home for local critters, and add to the value of your home.
As beneficial as shade trees are, you want to be careful to research what kinds of trees would work best for your yard. You don’t want to end up planting something that could be considered invasive toward the local flora. It’s best to consult with a professional landscaper that can help you determine what kind of shade tree would be most suited for your needs.
Purchase shade trees here
Insulation
If your windows are aged and worn, you may want to consider window insulation. In the hot summer, cracks and openings in your window frame may be letting out the cool air that your AC unit is working to make.
Prevent your air-conditioning from having to work so hard by insulating your windows. That way, the cool air is sealed inside, and the energy your AC unit uses gets distributed effectively.
Grainger.com: $6.10
Simple DIY projects can make a big difference in the price of your energy bill. Take time to inspect your windows and determine whether they’re truly energy-efficient. Your AC unit doesn’t need to be working so hard, and you don’t need to be working so hard to pay to use it.
