As summer temperatures heat up, homeowners should implement some simple window safety tips in order to lower energy bills and keep their family cool. These strategies could save energy costs while helping keep everyone cool.
Reflective window film is an inexpensive solution to block the sun’s heat and provides high levels of insulation. There are even stylish blackout fabrics that look stylish yet provide superior insulation levels.
Window Safety for Children
As temperatures heat up, many people want to open their windows to let in the fresh breeze and relax – however when children are present it’s essential that safety comes first; every year hundreds of kids are seriously injured after falling out of windows; in some instances this leads to fatal consequences.
Falling from windows can be especially hazardous for young children who are naturally curious and top-heavy. Curious children may climb furniture placed near windows to try to gain entry and then slip through or push themselves against them until they fall through, which could prove fatal for both of them.
Intermountain Health recommends installing guards or stops on windows above the first floor to help protect children from falling out of your home windows, restricting how far a window opens while remaining easily accessible for adults while remaining out of reach for children. Furthermore, move any climbable furniture away from windows, and plant grass or shrubbery underneath so as to cushion any falls that might happen.
Be Conscious of Spare Keys
As homeowners open windows to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, it’s essential they keep security top of mind. They should ensure windows are installed only where children cannot reach them and that they are adequately secured – both factors will deter criminals from breaking into homes while providing families with protection.
Smart home devices make a good way for homeowners to install window locks that can be activated remotely when away from the house, giving their family peace of mind when away from the property and potentially deterring crime.
Homeowners should make time during summer to caulk their windows. Drafts can increase energy bills while allowing hot outdoor air into the home while cool air escapes through its pores. Caulking is best applied under mild temperatures as extreme cold or heat may compromise adhesion or cure correctly.
Consider Replacing Windows
If your windows are old and failing tо keep cool air in, consider a custom window design for Ottawa homes. This will improve energy efficiency and enhance your property’s aesthetics.
Check all windows and doors inside and outside your home for signs of cracks, rot or water stains which could indicate thermal stress that causes fractures in their frames – both internal and externally. This may indicate thermal stress which could result in small fractures to spread throughout their frame structure and cause small splits that might eventually spread further afield.
Weather stripping the window frames and caulking any cracks can help reduce drafts during hot summer days, while applying an insulating film directly to glass panes can help stop excess sweating due to temperature differences between indoor and outdoor air – this can especially benefit homes with large windows that receive direct sunlight; you can find specific window-grade films designed specifically to keep out sun light without restricting views through them.
Cover Your Windows
Blocking direct sunlight can help make cooling your home simpler while also minimizing glare and damage to furniture and carpets from sun damage. Window treatments like curtains and drapes are an efficient way of blocking out summer heat while adding a decorative flair.
Drapes tailored specifically for your windows that reach all the way down to their sill or floor can reduce heat gains by as much as 33%, while blackout curtains may even further thwart sunlight and heat gain. Offices and storefronts frequently employ blackout curtains in this regard to block out light and heat gain.
Window awnings are another effective and traditional method to insulate and shield windows from the summer sun. Constructed of durable fabric, they can easily be opened or closed for easy use. In addition, plastic film and bubble wrap insulation options as well as long-term solutions like window films and energy-saving cellular shades may also be utilized by homeowners to insulate their windows.
When Windows Are Opened
Many people keep their windows open during the summer to bring in cool breezes; however, it’s essential that they know when is best to do this.
Opening your windows during cooler times of the day – such as morning and evening – is essential in order to allow air flow out while keeping warm air from coming in, thereby keeping your space comfortable. Opening them during hotter periods would only let hot air escape while more heat enters – further increasing temperatures within your space.
Open windows may bring in moisture from outside that could potentially produce mold and mildew in your Lawton, OK home and have an adverse impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). This not only causes discomfort but may have serious implications on IAQ in Lawton.
Breathing air contaminated with contaminants such as pollen, smoke, viruses, or bacteria can leave us feeling congested and sick, since these toxins can lead to sinus infections, headaches, dizziness and nausea – symptoms which make people uncomfortable and reduce quality of life.
Open Your Windows on Cool Nights
As temperatures heat up during the summer, opening your windows to let in fresh air is tempting – yet remembering children and animals could fall out is equally so. Therefore, make sure that when children are at home and no climbable furniture is near by to keep your windows closed until it is safe for them.
Install window sensors that will notify you if the windows have been opened – this can reduce risk while giving peace of mind when away from home.
At noon, it is also wise to close the windows during the hottest part of the day to allow airflow through and help your AC work more effectively. This cost-effective strategy has proven itself time and again for cooling homes during summertime.