How to Prep Your Windows In Toledo to Beat the Summer Heat

We look forward to the Toledo Ohio summers for all the benefits higher temperatures can bring. Winter is long gone, and there are different activities that are great for the entire family. While it is fantastic to have warmer temperatures, the summer heat has its disadvantages as well. When days are extremely hot, you’ll likely want to find some escape from the heat. This often involves heading inside your home. However, before you crank up the air conditioner, it is beneficial to consider other ways that you can beat the summer heat.

Insulation

Insulation can play a major role in beating the summer heat. It keeps your home warmer in the winter, but it also keeps your home cooler in the summer. Quality insulation helps to keep the exterior hot air out and the cool air produced by your air conditioner inside. In addition to insulation in the walls, your home’s siding and roofing also contribute to insulating your home.

Energy Efficient Windows

A great way to beat the summer heat and raise the value of your home is by investing in energy-efficient windows. These windows are specifically designed to block UV rays from getting into your home. They also block infrared rays, which are responsible for the heat you feel from the sun. By blocking these rays, your windows help to keep your home cool and protect your interior from damage that can be caused by UV rays.

Technology advances improve many aspects of our lives. This includes the quality of our windows. You can now invest in low-emissivity glass, commonly referred to as E glass. This type of glass has a thick metallic coating that helps to keep your home cool in the summer. This is done by blocking UV rays while continuing to allow 95% of natural light to come in. Windows with great energy efficiency can keep your home cool without having to crank your cooling system. This helps to save money on monthly utility bills.

Install a Suspended Particle Device

You can control the amount of sunlight entering your Toledo home unlike ever before. One easy way to beat the summer heat is to invest in suspended particle devices for your window. This device works with both new and existing windows. It allows the homeowner to use a dimmer switch that controls the tint of their glass panes. This in turn controls the amount of light coming into the home.

Block Sunlight From the Outside

You can minimize the amount of sunlight entering your home from the exterior of your home. This can be done through the installation of awnings outside your windows. Awnings come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be customized to match the exterior of your home.

You can also invest in different shrubs or plants that help to block sunlight while also adding to the curb appeal of your home. Shrubs are a great way to add natural shade as well as enhance the appearance of your exterior. They are easy to maintain, and they can easily fill up your exterior space.

Drapes, Curtains, and Blinds

If you know it’s going to be a hot day outside, you can keep your drapes, curtains, or blinds closed to block out the sunlight and help to keep your space cool. These fixtures are a great way to accessorize your windows as well as provide privacy and an added layer of protection against the sun. You can invest in heavy or insulated drapes for the windows of your home that are prone to the most sunlight.

Check for Drafts

Most Toledo homeowners associate drafts with winter when the last thing you want is the cold, frigid air from outside getting into your home. However, drafts or air leaks in the summer can be just as unwelcome. Any drafts can allow hot, humid air to enter your home. This can affect the set temperature of the space, causing your cooling device to turn on more often than necessary. If your AC runs more often, it can result in higher cooling bills.

If you notice any air leaks, it is important to have them fixed as soon as possible. This could be something as simple as replacing the caulking around the window, or serious enough to require a full window replacement.

Check for Foggy Glass

Foggy glass can be a strong indication that your window is underperforming when it comes to protecting your home from the summer heat. Foggy glass is often caused when the humidity gets trapped between the window panes. This could be caused by different factors, including broken sealant and condensation. You can rely on an expert to repair or replace your window to prevent any negative consequences to your energy consumption.

Consider Your Framing

There are many different options when it comes to window framing including vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Your framing could be affecting the overall efficiency and ability of your windows to keep hot air out. Certain frames are more susceptible to absorbing heat. When considering upgrades to your home, you may also want to consider upgrading your window framing to improve overall efficiency.

Upgrade Your Windows

You can also beat the summer heat by upgrading your Toledo, Ohio windows. You may want to consider upgrading your windows if they are old and outdated. Older windows tend to provide little energy efficiency and can be more susceptible to leaks and drafts caused by broken seals and loose framing. Windows that are chipped, cracked, or broken are a source of unwanted drafts. If any cracks, chips, or holes are large enough, pests might also be able to get in. A window professional can help you determine if repair is a viable option or if a replacement makes the most sense.

Call in the Professionals

When you are exploring different options to improve efficiency and comfort when it comes to roofing, and windows, the professionals can help you choose the best options. If your windows are allowing too much of the great outdoors inside, trust a professional window installer to ensure your windows are put in correctly the first time.