Let’s not sugar coat it. Summer in northwest Iowa is generally beautiful. The temperatures, though? Those are great for maybe three hours a day.
With brutal heat indexes and awful humidity, your air conditioner should be working hard to keep you comfortable. If your AC is running non-stop, however, and you’re still sweating just sitting in your living room, you may think your cooling system is broken.
But what if the problem isn’t with your AC at all? Take a look around. Your windows may be to blame.
Here at Comfortec Heating, Plumbing & Cooling, we hate it when old windows defeat quality air conditioners. Nothing is more frustrating than knowing your home could be comfortable if you just upgraded to energy efficient windows in Northwest Iowa. So, how do inefficient windows overload your AC? And what can you do about it? Read on and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Are Your Energy Bills Going Up, Not Down?
Window-related heat gain and loss accounts for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy usage. That statistic comes straight from the U.S. Department of Energy. What does that mean for you? It means that one fourth of your monthly utility bill is being poured into thin air.
This energy loss occurs mostly through older windows. A single or double-pane window with damaged seals is like a bullseye your AC has to shoot for every time the summer sun beats down on your home. Not only will heat enter more freely through inferior windows, but your conditioned air will leak out. If you place your hand near your window on a hot summer day and feel heat coming in, you know you’ve lost your thermal barrier.
So, now that we’ve broken the bad news that your hard-earned money is being siphoned out of your home during summer months, let’s explain how this affects your cooling system.
Your AC Will Run More, Straining Your Equipment
We already touched on this topic above, but let’s dive deeper into how older windows can wear down your cooling system. When heat comes pouring into your home via leaky windows, your thermostat detects it. Your thermostat then tells your air conditioner to turn on.
Your AC complies, but because hot air is continuously entering your home through those pesky windows, it takes longer to cool off. Your system has to run longer cycles in order to reach and maintain your desired temperature.
Here are the problems with that:
Higher Energy Bills: Your system is using more energy, which means you are spending more money to keep your home comfortable. You could even be cooling the entire neighborhood if you’re not careful.
More Wear and Tear: Have you ever taken a car and driven it at maximum speed all day? Doesn’t work too well. Your AC unit is the same way. Running longer cycles means more strain on your parts. Your compressor and blower motor suffer the most from constant running.
Shorter Lifespan: An overworked system is a broken system. Instead of 15-20 years out of your AC, you may only get 10-12. Replacing your air conditioner is never something you want to have to think about earlier than expected.
Top 4 Ways to Stop Wasting Money Heating Up Your House
Don’t worry, though. You have options for addressing this. Take control of your indoor comfort and check out these four ways to improve your windows’ energy efficiency.
1. Caulk and Weatherstrip Leaky Drafts
Sometimes the easiest fixes can be the most effective. Crawl around on the floor and examine your windows. Inside and out. Do you feel any drafts or see sunlight shining through cracks? Stop wasting money and caulk those babies up! Fill in the cracks around the outside perimeter of your windows with exterior caulking. Then, install new weatherstripping along the inside window sash.
2. Invest in Thermal Window Coverings
Heavy curtains. Cellular shades. Blinds. There are so many window treatments these days that not only improve the look of your home, but also help with energy efficiency. When the sun is blazing outside, close your window coverings on windows that face south and west. You’d be surprised how much heat those curtains can keep out.
3. Install Solar Window Film
Solar window film. Yes, you read that correctly, and yes, it’s a thing. If you want to keep your view (but not all the heat that comes with it), try installing solar window film on your current windows. These films help to reflect harmful UV rays and prevent solar heat gain.
4. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR Windows
We know. We’re really saving the best for last. But hear us out! When it comes to energy efficiency, your windows are your last line of defense against the summer elements.
If you take proper care of your windows by following steps 1-3 above, you can save yourself money and frustration by delaying this upgrade. However, if your windows are old, damaged, or highly inefficient, do yourself a favor and upgrade to energy efficient windows. Not only will your energy bills plummet, but your indoor comfort will soar.
Comfortec Is Here to Help
Did you know that upgrading your home can actually save you money? When you invest in energy efficient windows, you aren’t just spending money on new products. You are spending money on a whole-home comfort solution. Your energy bills will decrease each month, your home will stay comfortable longer, and you will keep your AC running smoothly for years to come. Want to start cooling your home instead of heating it up? Contact Comfortec today to learn about energy efficient windows in northwest Iowa!
Energy Efficient Window FAQs
Q: How can I tell if my windows are causing my AC to work too hard?
A: If your system runs constantly to keep your home cool, you have abnormally high utility bills, or you can feel warm drafts coming from your windows, your windows may be making your AC work harder than it needs to.
Q: Are energy efficient windows really worth it?
A: Yes. Not only will energy efficient windows save you money on cooling costs, but they can also keep your furnace from overworking in the winter. Depending on where you live in Iowa, you could see a difference in your monthly utility bills.
Q: Is it better to repair or replace my old windows?
A: If your windows are slightly drafty, be sure to check your weatherstripping and caulking. However, if your windows are original to the home, are made of single-pane glass, or have wooden frames that are rotting, you’ll be much better off replacing them.
Q: How much can I save by switching to energy efficient windows?
A: You could save anywhere from $126 to $465 a year by upgrading to energy efficient windows according to the Department of Energy.