An AC Repair in Charlotte and Advanced Window Coverings Reduce Heat
The recent heat wave has caused more homeowners to have “staycations” in the cool haven of their homes. But what if your air conditioner unit is not providing all the cooling comfort you need? You may need to schedule a repair on your Charlotte air conditioner or have it inspected to make sure it’s operating at peak capacity. Hot summer days can put a lot of stress on your cooling system. To help increase the comfort inside your home, plus take some of the stress of your AC unit, consider using sun-blocking blinds inside your home, plus increase the shade from the exterior of your home as well. This will not only save energy and money but will also help your home a cool sanctuary during the sweltering summer days.
Interior Window Coverings Keep the Sunlight Out and the Cool Temperatures In
Once your HVAC system has been tuned up by Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning, there are ways to shade your windows to keep the sun and heat out to lessen the amount the air conditioner has to run. There are various shades and curtains that can block the sun effectively and keep your house cooler, as noted on www.biggreenpurse.com:
“Curtains or shades add an extra layer of insulation and increase the energy efficiency of each window covered. The thicker the curtains, the more energy you’ll save, especially if you mount the curtains as close to the window as possible. Otherwise, hot air will end up escaping around the curtains and into your room – and vice versa with cold air. For energy-efficient shades, skip single louvered panels, whether made of aluminum or vinyl. Instead, aim for shades constructed in a cellular or honeycomb pattern.
Honeycomb shades work by creating an insulating pocket of air in each cell that separates the window air space from the room air space. When not in use, the blinds fold up into a thin band at the top of my window. When down, they provide an effective barrier to the outside air, but still let enough light in that the room can be bright if I use them during the day.”
Using shades and curtains to block the sun takes the stress off your air conditioner, so it doesn’t have to run full blast on the hottest days to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. It is recommended to have your window coverings installed close to the window, without gaps on the sides. This will provide the best fit for blocking warm heat from the window areas. Another type of shade that is is used for sun blockage are Roller Shades, as noted in www.biggreenpurse.com:
“Roller shades, made from heavy-duty fabric, can also reduce window energy loss. To get the most out of the shade, mount them on a track that runs inside the window frame. When the shade is down, very little energy will seep into or out that window.”
The Department of Energy states that utilizing window coverings properly can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. If choosing drapes or curtains for your windows, studies show that medium-colored draperies with white backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent. Keeping your unit in top condition is also important, so don’t neglect to have your annual HVAC maintenance visit by Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning.
Exterior Shade for Windows Can Result in Lowered Utility Bills
When we usually think of window coverings, it is often the interior window treatments that are being considered, such as blinds, shades and curtains. Did you also know that exterior window coverings can be helpful for reducing the amount of heat in your home, therefore lowering your energy bills? biggreenpurse.com notes that the presence of exterior shading products makes a large difference in your home’s energy efficiency:
“The most sunlight comes through the east, west, southeast and southwest facing windows, so these should be your priorities for exterior awnings or overhangs. A wide variety are available, including those that can retract in winter to let the sun in.”
In addition to awnings, large trees provide shade to keep your windows cooler. If your windows are sufficiently shaded from the outside, yet the inside of your home is not as cool as it should be, there may be a need for an air conditioner repair visit to get to the bottom of the problem. Contact Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning to look at your system, inspecting it for leaks and malfunctioning parts.
If these tips don’t help you beat the heat and your utility bills are still skyrocketing, it may be time to consider a new, more energy-efficient air conditioner. Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning, provides air conditioning services for residential and commercial customers with affordable pricing and outstanding service. Call us at (704) 288-4535.
