When you and I change a dollar bill to 4 quarters, we don’t take one quarter and throw it out the window. But that’s exactly what happens when our doors and windows aren’t properly weather proofed.
Did you know that anywhere from 10% to 25% of our cooling and heating energy escapes through our windows and doors? If our air conditioners are at peak efficiency but our windows and doors are leaking, we’re wasting valuable energy and money.
Here’s some tips from Sinclair on how to keep your energy dollars from going out the window:
* Make sure any weather stripping around your window framesis properly fitted and pliable. If you use caulking, be sure it’s fresh. Old brittle caulking will crack, allowing cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to escape in the winter.
* Check the doors that open to the outside of your home. If there are gaps by the floor, install a flexible rubber weather strip to the bottom of the door. This will keep the cool air in. And the crawly bugs out!
* Remember air escapes from more places than doors and windows. Check for gaps around sky lights, wiring holes, plumbing and heating vents and attic vents. A small hole here and there can add up to the equivalent of one wide open window.
* Indoor curtains and shades add a flair to your home. They can also dramatically cut down on your energy costs.Closing your curtains and shades during the hot part of the day keeps the sun from coming in. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep the temperature cool.
* If and when you do a remodel on your home, consider adding interior hardwood custom shutters. They can reduce energy costs by as much as $300 per year.
* If you have single-pane windows, consider replacing them with energy efficient double-pane windows. Some of these windows are filled with an inert gas like argon and have anti-glare qualities, both of which increase the efficiency of the window.
Here at Sinclair, we are all about helping you save money. Call us at 806-749-COOL (2665) and we’ll make sure your air conditioner is in peak condition.