Here Comes the Sun (and Energy Efficiency!)
What’s 93 million miles away, available most days a year, can lower your energy bills and – best of all – is absolutely FREE?
It’s sunshine – and conserving energy and saving money this winter are as easy as letting the sun shine in.
Sunshine can significantly raise indoor temperatures, sometimes by 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or more, especially in rooms with direct sun through windows. The temperature increase also depends on the quality of your windows, whether blinds or curtains are open, if there are trees blocking the sun, and, of course, how sunny a day it is.
There are several things you can do to maximize the amount of heat from the sun your home receives:
- Open blinds, drapes and shades during the day to let the sun in especially on south-facing windows. At dusk, close the window coverings to trap the heat.
- Consider new low-emissivity glass, which will keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
- Paint the walls in dark colors. Dark surfaces absorb 70-90% of the sun’s energy, while light surfaces reflect it, affecting overall heat gain.
Letting the sun warm your house reduces the load on your heating system, allowing you to turn the thermostat down and save money. So, let there be light and warmth – and savings! – this January and throughout the heating season!
Tracey Energy has many more ways you can save energy and money in your home this winter. Check out our conservation tips – and if you have any questions on how you can have a more energy-efficient home, please contact us.
