The warm temperature felt for the past few weeks clearly indicates that the summer season is about to start. Although it’s the perfect time for beaches, BBQs, and fruit coolers, too much heat can harm your home. You need to prepare to protect your home from high temperatures. One important step is to keep glass cool.
Here are some tried-and-tested methods you can consider.
Clean your glass.
Dirty glass can drastically reduce a window’s energy efficiency. A dirty exterior glass tends to trap the heat instead of reflecting it. Energy efficiency decreases, manifested in warmer rooms and more expensive electricity bills.
You also need to clean the window screens since they trap heat when dirty. Common window cleaners are effective for occasional spot cleaning. However, it’s best to use commercial glass cleaners to keep huge glass surfaces spotless.
Visit the manufacturer’s website to check if the cleaning products you’ll use won’t cause any damage.
Utilize window films for heat reflection.
Approximately 76% of the sunlight that falls on windows enter your home and becomes heat. A laminated plastic film is a great way to mitigate this and improve window efficiency. They reflect a significant portion of the sun’s energy from your house.
This is also recommended if you’re in a warmer region and you constantly use air-conditioning. It can be combined with blinds or curtains for a better-dressed window.
Put weatherstripping on your window.
One quick, easy, and cheap way to keep glass cool is to put weatherstripping around your windows. Gaps in windows are one of the usual areas for home air leaks. Research the different kinds of weatherstripping to ensure that you get the correct type for your windows.
Add shade to your home’s exterior.
Adding shade like trees is an effective and appealing way to shield your windows from UV rays. Check which areas of your home get the most sunlight and select a tree with good shading qualities.
Some palm trees can help keep glass cool, but trees with denser greenery are better. Consult a nearby plant nursery to know which trees to plant.
If you don’t like gardening or don’t have enough space, you can install awnings as an alternative. Awnings normally fit on top of your windows and keep away sunlight from your home. Data from the US Department of Energy show that awnings reduce solar heat gain by 65% to 77%.
Maintain proper ventilation.
Proper ventilation is essential to keep glass cool, especially for glass houses. To avoid feeling like you’re in a greenhouse, check that enough air is circulating to dissipate the heat.
Check if you can have open glass panels in several areas in your home for cross ventilation. The temperature becomes manageable as air passes through the windows.
Get some house plants.
Having some indoor plants in your home can help regulate the temperature during summer. When temperature rises, indoor plants tend to release excess moisture into the air. As the water evaporates, the plants cool themselves and the environment.
Check your air-conditioning system.
A sound air-conditioning system helps cool your home while still maintaining energy efficiency. The AC unit you choose should have the right size and type for the space where you’ll place it. Consulting a professional is helpful to ensure that the AC unit will be able to achieve the right temperature for your home.
Try using Low-E Glass for faster results.
If your windows are already old, the summertime might be the perfect opportunity to have them changed. Consider using low-E or low-emissivity glass windows. They are sealed with special silicone sealants for higher energy efficiency.
The Low-E glass still allows sufficient natural light to enter your home. This reduces the need to use artificial lighting during the daytime. It also shields your home from the sun’s glare and unwanted heat. It will also prevent draperies, carpets, and other furnishings from being damaged by exposure to sunlight.
Install curtains or blinds.
Although it’s already obvious, protecting the inside of your home from heat is also important. Aside from using Low-E glass and trees with shade, it’s helpful to decrease sun exposure to the interior.
Adding curtains or blinds can block out most of the harsh sunlight and additional insulation. Make sure to keep them closed, especially when the window receives direct sunlight.
Prepare Your Home for Summer with Glass King.
Do you feel like you need help figuring out where to start to prepare for the scorching heat of summer? One of your main priorities should be to keep glass cool. Our team at Glass King can assist by checking your windows to ensure they are in optimal condition. We give expert window glass services in Phoenix. Call us today and let us know how we can help.
