Download this video >>
According to the good ol’ Farmer’s Almanac, the summer season in Huntsville will be much hotter than normal this year. The warmer periods will occur from mid-June through early July and into early August. September and October will be drier than normal, with near-normal temperatures.
I’ve heard questions come in regarding window fans – should they be placed to draw air in or out? And what about windows, shades, and awnings? Are windows on the North side of the house better left closed or open during the day? Are awnings better than shades?
Let us help you take the guess work out of how to keep your home nice and cool for these of summer months. Find out the answers to these questions and more, right here:
- The best way to ensure cost-effective cooling measures is to provide effective shade for east and west windows. This means planting shade trees, closing curtains, and/or installing white window shades or mini-blinds (they can reduce solar heat gain by 40-50 percent). OR hanging tightly woven screens or bamboo shades outside the window during the summer is reported to stop 60-80% of the sun’s heat from getting to the windows.
- Install awnings on south-facing windows, where there’s insufficient roof overhang to provide shade.
- During the warm season, keep the house closed tight during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity. If you want to ventilate, do this in the evening naturally or with fans.
- Ventilation has many people confused. Here’s my “no sweat” tip! You can help get rid of unwanted heat through ventilation if the temperature of the incoming air is 77 F or lower. (That is why this strategy works most effectively at night and on cooler mornings.) Window fans for ventilation are a good option if used properly. They should be located on the downwind side of the house facing out. A window should be open in each room. Then ensure those interior doors remain open to allow air flow.
- When to use a ceiling fan to create comfortable air temps. (For our Southerners and Northerners*) The standard human comfort range for light clothing in the summer is between 72 F and 75 F. To extend the comfort range to 80 F, you need a breeze of about 2.5 ft/sec or 1.7 mph. A slow-turning ceiling-mounted paddle fan can easily provide this air flow. *Warning: Now this is only if you are a “True Southerner”. The Northerners who have settled to our warmer climate for a slower and sweeter way of life may find 69-73 is more to their liking before those fans need to kick on.
- In hot climates, plant shade trees around the house. However, don’t plant trees on the South if you want to benefit from passive solar heating in the winter.
- If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit. Make sure that it is properly matched to the indoor unit.
- Buy a high-efficiency air conditioner: for central air conditioners, look for a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of 14-16. For room air conditioners, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating should be around 14. We have some great local professionals we can recommend who can explain the different SEER ratings and their pros and cons of those units based off initial up front costs and costs comparatively to the labor once the warranty is up.
- Do your best not to use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.
- Seal all air conditioner ducts, and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
- Keep the thermostat set at 78 degrees F or higher if using ceiling fans. Don’t air-condition unused rooms. This will save your utility bill quite a bit!
- Maintain your air conditioners properly and on a regular routine to maximize efficiency.
- When possible, delay heat-generating activities such as running laundry and dishwashing machines until evening on hot days.
- Provide shade for your room A/C, or the outside half of your central A/C if at all possible. This will increase the unit’s efficiency by 5 -10%.
- Clean your A/C’s air filter every month during cooling season. Normal dust build-up can reduce airflow by 1% per week.
- Turn off your A/C when you leave for more than two hours or at least raise that setting to 78 while having the blinds and curtains closed tight.
This Week’s Closings, Congratulations!Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hilborn Mr. and Mrs. Andy Knight Ms. Sara Wade Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pollard Mr. and Mrs. Frank Waggoner Dr. Deborah Barnhart Ms. Catherine Wells Mr. Kevin Lade
|
This Week’s New Listings For Sale:105 Country Charm Lane $110,000 116 Indian Valley Road $205,000 12098 Springwood Drive $289,900 13010 SE Camelot Drive $345,000 15 SW Walnut Cove Blvd. $339,900 214 Shady Hill Circle $130,000 14553 Sara Beth Drive $129,900
|