Heat gain is a real problem in the summer when you’re trying to keep your home cool without having to operate the air conditioner all the time. Fortunately, there are some common sources of heat gain you can easily control.
Appliances and Electronics
Ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers generate considerable heat when in use. To minimize this, use them only in the evening hours after it’s cooled down. When it comes to electronics, computers are by far the worst offenders. Be sure to shut them off when they’re not being used, and make sure that there’s cool air circulating through the room while you’re using them.
Windows
UV rays enter through windows and get trapped inside your home, which raises the temperature quickly. This is easily prevented by closing the blinds and drapes during the daylight hours.
Walls
The exterior of your home is constantly exposed to the sun’s rays. Consider painting your home a light color so it will reflect the energy instead of absorbing it. For additional protection, you could use a ceramic coating that’s specifically formulated to provide the maximum protection.
Leaks
Cracks around windows frames, door jams and fixtures allow heat into your home. They also allow cooled air to escape. For this reason, it’s best to weatherize your home with weatherstripping or caulk to these as soon as possible. Most importantly, be sure that you aren’t leaving doors and windows open during the daytime, and remind children to pull doors tightly shut when they come and go.
Ceilings and Attics
As your attic heats up, so too does the ceiling. This means that you should ensure that the attic is properly ventilated and the insulation between the attic and ceilings has a high R-value to minimize this effect.
Learn more about reducing heat gain from the HVAC pros at Arpi’s Industries, Ltd. We’re happy to answer your home comfort questions!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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