Preparing Your Home for Summer Heat: Energy-Saving Window Tips

Northern Virginia households can be susceptible to discomfort and excessive energy bills due to high summer temperatures and humidity. Windows play a critical role in how comfortable your home is and how much it costs to cool. Read on for window tips that will help you save this summer and in the years ahead.

The Function of Your House’s Building Envelope in Energy Efficiency

A building envelope refers to the physical barrier between the interior and exterior. In your home, the interior is a conditioned space. You want to preserve that conditioning as much as possible in order to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption. Achieving a tight building envelope helps minimize unwanted energy losses, such as those from thermal transfer and air leakage. A home with a loose building envelope will be less comfortable and will experience higher energy usage. It may have poorer air quality as well.

• Roof and gutter systems
• HVAC ductwork
• Attic and wall insulation
• Siding
• Windows and doors
• Foundation

How Summer Temperatures Impact Home Energy Efficiency

Northern Virginia experiences average summer temperatures in the 80s with heat waves climbing into the 90s. The area experiences high humidity, which inherently makes cooling a home less efficient. Many homes also experience significant sunlight exposure. That can increase the ambient temperature of your building envelope well above 100 degrees.

There are several ways the local summer climate can reduce efficiency. There’s the natural heat gain that occurs simply because the ambient temperatures are hotter. Sunlight exposure can have a substantial impact. HVAC equipment must use more energy to cool and dehumidify. With a loose building envelope, you can also lose energy as cooler air leaks out.

The Role of Your Windows in Comfort and Heat Gain

Energy-efficient windows can reduce cooling costs in all the ways mentioned above. Windows serve as a direct thermal barrier between your home’s interior and exterior. Sunlight passes through your window, further increasing interior temperatures. Damaged or poorly installed windows can also allow heat and humidity to enter through leaks. Those effects can significantly undermine your AC and, if applicable, dehumidifier performance.

Reduce Cooling Costs With Energy-Efficient Windows

If you have older windows, one of the best energy-saving home tips is to invest in high-efficiency replacement windows. These are windows that manufacturers design to limit heat transfer as much as possible. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies energy-efficient windows through its ENERGY STAR program. The EPA estimates that ENERGY STAR windows lower energy bills by 6% to 13% on average compared with standard windows. There are also rebates, tax credits, and other energy incentives available that may help recoup your investment even sooner.

Multiple Panes for Better Energy Efficiency

There are many features that set energy-efficient windows apart from standard windows. Among the most notable of those are multi-pane configurations. Windows traditionally had a single pane that allowed for significant heat exchange. The first energy-efficient windows on the market increased the thickness of that single layer to improve the thermal barrier. Modern versions have replaced the thicker pane with two or even three thinner layers. During manufacturing, the manufacturer injects gas between the panes. Those gases enhance the thermal barrier and reduce the amount of UV radiation that gets inside the home.

Low-E Glass Windows for Reduced Heat Gain

Many experts recommend panes with Low-E coatings among their summer window tips. Low-E glass windows have a microscopically thin metal coating that reflects infrared heat. A Low-E coating reduces the degree to which sunlight heats up a room. It not only improves the overall thermal barrier in summer but also helps to keep homes warmer in winter as well. Note that manufacturers tailor Low-E coatings to particular climates in the U.S. In Northern Virginia, you’ll typically want either dual-layer (Low-E2) or triple-layer (Low-E3/Solar Control).

Window Maintenance and Upgrading Window Insulation for Summer

Manufacturers integrate additional insulation into their high-efficiency designs. Some windows, for example, have foam cores within the frame materials. Seek the help of a professional to ensure you’re choosing the optimal R-value for your home and location. It’s difficult to significantly increase a window’s R-value after the fact.

All windows also have weatherproofing that can wear down over the years. Consider scheduling a professional inspection at least every several years and performing maintenance as needed. That can include fixing any damage, replacing weatherproofing, and upgrading it. It’s also important to maintain your siding to ensure a tight fit between it and your windows.

Reducing Sunlight Penetration With Window Treatments

The window treatments you choose can make a dramatic difference in sunlight penetration as well. You can purchase curtains with inner reflective linings that block over 75% of solar heat. There are various blackout and cellular shades available. You can even invest in smart technologies, such as shades that your thermostat can open and close as needed.

Sealing Your Home for a Tighter Building Envelope

Unwanted natural ventilation can cause the loss of up to 40% of cooling-related energy. Professionally sealing your home can close gaps between windows and siding, in your foundation, and so forth.

The Best Energy-Efficient Windows for Northern Virginia Homes

Ameritech Construction is a local, trusted home improvement contractor based in Falls Church, VA. We are a fully licensed and insured contractor that employs certified, in-house technicians. For over three decades, we’ve helped homeowners improve curb appeal and efficiency with premium window replacements, including Low-E glass windows. We also install window insulation for summer energy improvements, attic insulation, replacement doors, siding, roofing systems, and much more.

On-site consultations are available at no charge and without obligation. To schedule your appointment, call Ameritech Construction or contact us online.