The summer season is upon us! Bright, sunny days also come with oodles of hot air trying very hard to break into your home, make you sweat, and drive your energy bill through the roof. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to keep things from getting too heated at home. Windows are a major place sunlight and heat try to creep in, so heed these tips to keep your place cool.
Don’t skimp on weatherstripping.
You know this tip as a must for cold winter months, but weatherstripping is equally important to keep the hot air out (and your air conditioning in!) during summertime. This is a key component in sealing air leaks and keeping your home cool. Plus, it'll help keep your energy bill down — win, win!
Invest in energy efficient windows.
Old houses ooze charm and character — and unfortunately, old windows ooze hot air into the house. Unfortunately, old windows just aren’t built the same way they are now, and they tend to be much colder in winter and hotter in summer. Upgrading your windows is expensive, but it can actually save you money in the long run thanks to the subsequent energy savings.
Try window films.
Not ready to splurge on new windows? Window films can be a major life-saver during intense summer heat. You can apply window film yourself, but a professional is sometimes used to make sure it doesn’t appear lumpy or uneven. The best part of window film is that it is barely perceptible from the inside, and won’t inhibit your ability to see out of the window clearly.
TIP: Looking for a super inexpensive hack? Try bubble wrap! Obviously, bubble wrap is much more noticable and not exactly chic, but a thin layer on the windows that flood with midday heat is a cheap way to get the same effect as film. All you do is spray a bit of water on the window, and the bubble wrap should cling on.
Try blackout curtains or cell shades.
Blackout curtains pretty much do what they say — they block out all sunlight, which can keep a room much cooler. This is a great option if you have multiple rooms in the house you don’t use and can “close off,” but what about those days when you want to sit in your living room without needing a flashlight? Enter: cell shades. Cell shades are a more stylish, airy alternative for hot living spaces because of their honeycomb-type design, which features cellular tube side pockets. These pockets trap hot air before it makes its way into your home, and larger tubes equal more insulation. For maximum window coverage, you might even consider closing your exterior shutters for added protection on especially sunny and hot days!
Get your windows looking their freshest — and most practical — for the summer season. Shop our entire range of exterior shutters now!
