WhiteFence.com Releases Tips for Consumers to Save on Energy Costs This Summer by Preparing Their Windows
Houston, TX (PRWEB) July 19, 2013 -- Consumers are always searching for a way to reduce their heating and cooling costs. WhiteFence.com helps consumers reduce their electric bills this summer by releasing tips on preparing windows in their home.
Windows are a major source of unwanted heat or cool air loss – literally, it can be money seeping out the window. If the consumer is buying a home, or even if they’re a renter, there are ways to save money by taking advantage of energy-efficient materials for their home, while also doing their part to reduce your use of fossil fuels.
Window coverings can slow the transfer of heat, while also blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation and reducing drafts. Not only do they dress up the windows, but they serve as an insulated barrier between the window and the rest of the consumer’s home. Window treatments, particularly those made with energy efficiency in mind, can keep a home warm during the winter, and cool during the summer.
Some window treatments, notably those made of wood, bamboo and natural fabrics, are biodegradable, recyclable and work well as barriers against window heat or cool air loss.
Draperies
On hot summer days, close the window draperies that appear to receive direct sunlight to keep the home cool. Draperies can help a home remain cool during the summer, more so than other window treatments, because they lose heat through the process of convection within their many pleats and folds. Studies have found that homes with medium-colored draperies, coupled with white, plastic backings, can reduce the amount of cool air loss during the summer by about 33 percent.
When draperies are used during the winter, the heat loss in most rooms can be reduced by up to 10 percent. During winter nights, it is more energy efficient to close all draperies at night, as well as the draperies in rooms that don’t get direct sunlight on cold days.
Blinds
Energy-efficient window blinds, such as those with cellular or honeycomb designs, also filter out the bright sunlight and UV radiation. Some window blinds offer the maximum energy efficiency if they are reversed with each season. Dual shades offer a reflective surface on one side, for use during the summer, and a heat-absorbing or dark material on the other side, for use during the winter.
Window blinds with two- or three-cell pleats or cellular shades feature spaces for air between them, which provides insulation and a reduction in air infiltration.
Window films
Highly reflective window films work well in warm climates to keep out the summer heat. They may not be the right energy efficient material for every home, since their effectiveness depends on several factors, including the size and orientation of the windows.
Caulk and Weatherstrip
The original caulk and weatherstrip around windows can crack, bend, break, and wear out over time. Carefully examine the caulk and weatherstrip around the house. To keep air from seeping out of these tiny gaps, a major source of heat transfer, replace all caulk and weatherstrip around each window.
Thermal Leak Detector
One of the easiest ways to help find the air leaks within a home is to purchase a thermal leak detector. The hand-held device can scan a room and monitor the surface temperatures, searching for the warm or cool spots throughout a home. They are relatively inexpensive, and can help find drafts that aren’t easy to detect by touch.
By making small changes, the consumer can tighten up their home or rental, helping them save as much as 20 percent or even more, to heat or cool their home.
About WhiteFence.com
WhiteFence.com is a free service that helps homeowners and renters compare, connect and save money on phone, internet, television, electricity, natural gas, and other home services. By simply entering a street address onto the secure site, people looking to save money or start new service can find the most comprehensive list of plans available for their specific address from over 300 nationally recognized partners. As a trusted home service shopping source for 20 million people annually, WhiteFence.com makes it easy to establish service directly on the site in a few simple steps. WhiteFence.com is an Internet Capital Group partner company. WhiteFence.com is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit WhiteFence.com.
Neil Austin, WhiteFence, http://www.whitefence.com/, (713) 663-0183, [email protected]
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