Are Your Windows Responsible For Heating Up Your House in Summer?

As we’re looking at the Minneapolis 10-day forecast, looks like more hot weather in store.  And since it’s only the end of June, we haven’t even hit the warmest part of the summer.  If it’s uncomfortable in your house but you dread the idea of turning your A/C down to cool things off, we’d like to offer some tips on how your windows can either help or hurt.  Even if you’ve got newer energy-efficient replacement windows.

Did you know that in most homes around 20% of the heat coming in is because of sun shining through windows?  This is called ‘solar gain.’  It refers to indoor temperature increase attributable to sunshine.

That’s right – about a fifth of your discomfort is because of what your windows are doing (or not doing).  This is especially true of south-facing windows.  Most of the summer daytime sun hits southern exposure.  The other spot to be aware of is west-facing windows later in the day.  (The sun coming in through east-facing windows is fairly weak in terms of heating things up, and the sun rises quickly enough so eastern windows are rarely a problem.)

The next thing to know is that UV (ultraviolet) rays DO NOT cause heat, although they have other undesirable affects, such as causing fabrics and wood to deteriorate or age prematurely.  The culprit with the heat is the infrared rays, or IR.  IR lamps are those glowing red things you see on food warmers in restaurants or in poultry hatching operations.  Infrared rays warm things up.  So even if your windows have UV blocking or reducing options, that won’t help with heat.

So what can you do with your windows to cut solar heat gain?  Keep in mind that whatever steps you take, those same windows will help warm up your home in the winter. Adding awnings or landscaping such as trees or bushes that will block those rays can help in the summer but would be drawbacks in the winter.  Solar gain in cold months is a good thing!  Plus, both of those alternatives can be pricey.  Here are some less costly ideas:

• Add window coverings that can reduce or even almost completely block those sun rays.  Even simple mini-blinds or roller shades can help.  These are the least costly.  Insulated or reflective curtains will cost more but are more effective.  Keep them closed when the sun is shining.  A combo of blinds or shades with curtains is ideal.
• Check around windows for air leaks. Those sun rays are probably responsible for most of the additional heat, but if warm air is leaking into your home (or cool air is leaking out) around your windows, that’s something that should be addressed ASAP.  Those air leaks will also be problematic in winter.  If you’re not sure how to check, we can help.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home remodeling contractor specializing in the installation of energy-efficient replacement windows and exterior doors.  If you’ve got questions about how your windows are performing in hot weather – or any other kind of weather – give us a call today.  We serve the greater Minneapolis metro area. 

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.