What is heat gain, and why do you want to reduce it in your home? When it’s hot in Sacramento, you want to keep as much of that heat outside your home as possible. Your comfort system works more efficiently, and your cooling bills are lower if you reduce the heat gain from sources such as an uninsulated attic.

During the summer, your windows can be a primary trouble spot. One simple way to reduce the heat gain (and perhaps even add to your home’s decor) is upgrading your window treatments. Consider these energy savers that reduce heat gain in your home:

• Draperies: With the simple addition of drapes, you can shave as much as a third off your cooling bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Choose drapes with a white or reflective backing for maximum savings, and close them during the day, when the heat is at the highest. Interior shutters such as plantation shutters can also do an effective — and stylish — job of preventing heat gain.
• Awnings: You may have spurned them, thinking they would make your home look dated. But awnings on your south-facing and west-facing windows can do a yeoman’s job of preventing heat gain.
• Mesh window screens: Reduce heat gain in your home with the easy addition of screens. Installing screens the entire length of your windows keeps sunlight from penetrating the glass at full strength. Additionally, screens allow you to open your windows for ventilation when temperatures are moderate. A less-expensive option is reflective film on your windows.

All Year Heating, Air & Solar has served Sacramento area residents since 1969. We’re very familiar with the concept of heat gain and can help you make your home as weather resistant as possible. Call on our seasoned professionals for answers to your questions about heat gain and home comfort. We’re happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

All Year services the Greater Sacramento area.  Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!