Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Replacement Windows & Patio Doors Tips Help You Keep Your Cool

Sad to say, but summer is already half over. In the not too distant future, all our outdoor activities will start to wind down and it will be time to start thinking about getting the kiddos ready for school and planning for fall activities when things begin to cool down. But, right now it is still hot outside. If you’re having trouble keeping your home cool and comfortable, these tips from the team at Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro will help.

Sealing Your Home’s Envelope to Improve Energy Efficiency & Save Money

According to EnergyStar.gov, “Air that leaks through your home’s envelope − the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings − wastes a lot of energy and increases your utility costs. A well-sealed envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on your utility bills.”

Things You Can Do To Seal Air Leaks That Prevent You from Controlling the Indoor Climate

If you have a thin layer of insulation that isn’t providing enough protection against heat gain and conditioned air loss that is an excellent step to take to take. If you’re not ready to take on an extensive rehab that includes insulating all the walls and ceilings in your home right now, here are a few inexpensive, if somewhat time-consuming, steps you can take to plug air leaks.

1. Inspect all the windows and doors in your home for damaged weather-stripping, peeling caulk and cracks or holes in window panes. Repair any issues you find with sealants and weather-stripping. If you find a single window that has a hole or crack, replace the window glass. If you find damage to glass panels, trim and framework on multiple windows, it’s time to seriously think about updating your home with modern replacement windows.

2. Walk around the exterior of your home to look for holes in the siding, shingles and other exterior materials that are letting hot air get inside your home. Look especially around areas where you have penetration through the siding, like light fixtures and vents. If you have the tools and the skills to make repairs, you can take care of the problems yourself. Extensive damage may require hiring a home-improvement contractor to make sure the job is done properly.

3. Seal spaces around switch plates and electric sockets where air can sneak into your living spaces.

4. Make sure all exterior doors are level and seal tightly when closed. If you have the skills, you may be able to adjust hinges or add shims to correct the problem. Remember to check tracks in sliding windows and patio doors for debris that could be preventing complete closure.

To learn more about the most common air leak spots in housing, read this article from EnergyStar.gov.

 

Other Things You Can Do To Cool Things Down a Bit

Check Your Cooling Equipment

High indoor relative humidity makes it harder to control the air temperature in your home. We published a blog post about controlling humidity earlier this year, and you’ll find more tips there to help you lower indoor humidity. Most modern HVAC systems remove humidity from your indoor air, but if your system isn’t running properly, you could be putting a strain on your air conditioner and wasting money and still not maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Another problem with central heat and air systems is poor air flow. Sometimes duct work joints sag, leak or develop other problems that limit airflow. Check return air ducts to be sure they are drawing properly to circulate room air. Schedule a system check-up if it’s been a while since you had a routine maintenance visit, or you aren’t comfortable trouble-shooting system problems on your own.

Improve Air Circulation

Installing a ceiling fan can help make a room feel much cooler just by circulating the air within and won’t significantly add to your energy bills. In fact, circulating indoor air with a ceiling fan can help your air conditioner work more efficiently. You may consider installing room air conditioners or oscillating fans in the areas you use most frequently.

Upgrading Your New Jersey or New York Metropolitan Home with Renewal by Andersen Replacement Windows

Since you dropped by our website today, you may already be pretty sure your windows aren’t performing as well as you’d like, and you may be wondering if it’s time to invest in new, custom-built replacement windows for your home. These tips can help you drop the indoor temperature by a few degrees, but the only way to eliminate extensive air leakage due to damaged, outdated single-pane windows is to replace them with high-quality replacement windows designed to help you control the indoor climate. Need more information about the benefits of upgrading your home windows? Simply fill in the short form on this page to request a brochure or give us a call at (866) 609-5033 and we’ll schedule a free, no-obligation home inspection when it’s convenient for you.

 

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