Windows, Heating, and Air: Basic Energy Efficiency

These sweltering summer months may call for Charleston air conditioning repair to make sure your house stays adequately cooled. Following are some tips to keep your Charleston heating and air running efficiently while keeping your bills down because in this tough economy, every little bit helps, right?

Windows
If your cooling or heating system is not working effectively, it may have something to do with your windows in Charleston. The technicalities of energy efficient windows are complex. But you should pay attention to something called a U-factor, which is non-solar heat flow through the glass. Heat can be both lost and gained because of this U-factor, impacting your energy efficiency (and your bills). A feature like interlocking meeting rails could help this problem.

Additionally, solar control in your windows in Charleston is a factor, since the heat coming in can account for 30% or more of your cooling requirements. Pay special attention to the sash features of your new windows.

Air flow is the final factor in selecting your windows, as you want ventilation but not infiltration. Controlling your Charleston heating and air efficiency can have a lot to do with the windows around your home. Multiple weather stripping can reduce infiltration.

Efficiency Tips
There are a variety of ways to keep your Charleston heating and air bills down. Watch that thermostat, especially when you leave the house and when you go to sleep. Keep vents clear so that air circulates effectively. Use curtains as they can keep sunlight out in the summer and keep heat in during the winter.

Maintenance is a big part of keeping your home efficient. Charleston air conditioning repair businesses can help with this. They can diagnose your house for potential problems, like poorly connected ducts or poor insulation. These companies are familiar with many systems, as every home is different. The problem could be in furnaces, like a clogged filter. Or it could be in heat pumps, air handlers, boilers, or, as previously discussed, your windows! Investing in this type of maintenance or any necessary repairs could save you money in the long run as well as help the planet.

Try finding an honest business that seeks to maintain your family’s health and comfort in energy efficient and economical ways. Whether you can afford to (or even need to) completely overhaul your windows or not, there may be lots of other things that can make a difference.