When outside temperatures begin to rise, you’re likely not surprised to notice that you house feels warmer. This increase in the indoor temperature is known as heat gain. The secret to effective operation of an air conditioner or another type of cooling system is a combination of how well it counters heat gain and how well you, the homeowner, can slow the heat gain through tactics such as insulating, ventilating, window treatments and air sealing.
Heat Gain Sources
Heat often enters the home through windows, walls and doors. Internal heat sources like the oven or clothes dryer warm the inside of the dwelling. A failure to weatherize your home properly allows warm air or heat energy to seep or transfer inside. Attics also allow a substantial amount of heat inside.
Controlling Heat Gain
- Windows: Shade the windows from the outside of your home with awnings, window tints, shutters or shade screens. Shade the windows from the inside by closing the blinds and drapes during the day.
- Insulate: The better the insulation in your home, the cooler it will stay. Exterior walls should have an insulation value of at least R-19. The roof insulation should have a value of at least R-30.
- Doors and walls: Use light-colored paint on the exterior walls and doors to reflect the sun’s rays.
- Internal heat sources: Avoid activities that warm your home during the hottest parts of the day.
- Ceiling: Properly insulate and ventilate your attic to keep heat from accumulating. Ensure that the exhaust vents in the attic are not blocked.
- Weatherization: The same precautions that protect your home during the winter keep it cooler during the summer. Ensure the weatherstripping and caulk around window frames and exterior wall penetrations are in good condition. Keep the fireplace damper closed. Use rubber or foam receptacle gaskets on outlets and switches.
To learm more about controlling heat in your home and other issues related to home comfort, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve served Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat gains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area