Wichita summers are legendary for their sweltering heat and humidity. As the mercury rises, so does the strain on your air conditioning unit and, subsequently, your energy bill. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that air conditioning accounts for about 19% of the electricity consumption in U.S. homes, a number that can feel much higher during a long Kansas heatwave.
At Wichita Home Works, we know that staying cool doesn’t have to break the bank. With a combination of smart strategies and a few key home improvements, you can significantly reduce your reliance on the AC, lower your energy costs, and make your home a comfortable oasis all summer long. This guide will provide practical tips for homeowners in Wichita and Sedgwick County, focusing on window treatments, proper ventilation, and energy-saving practices.
- The Problem: Heat Infiltration
- Smart Strategies to Beat the Heat
- FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Wichita Home Works: Your Partner for a Cooler Home
The Problem: Heat Infiltration
To effectively combat the heat, you have to understand how it gets into your home in the first place. The primary culprits are:
- Solar Radiation: Direct sunlight streaming through windows is a major source of heat gain. A single square foot of sun-exposed glass can dump a surprising amount of heat into a room.
- Air Leaks: Gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets act like tiny funnels, pulling hot, humid air from the outside into your cool, air-conditioned interior.
- Poor Insulation: An under-insulated attic, in particular, allows heat to radiate from the roof and attic space down into your living areas.
- Internal Heat Sources: Appliances, lights, and even your body heat contribute to the overall temperature of your home.
By addressing these issues, you can create a more resilient, energy-efficient home that stays cooler for longer.
Smart Strategies to Beat the Heat
1. Window Treatments: Your First Line of Defense
Windows are a major weak point in a home’s thermal envelope. Up to 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows turns into heat within the home. (Source: EIA). Fortunately, there are many effective and stylish ways to block that heat.
- Blackout Curtains: Heavy, light-blocking curtains are a simple and highly effective solution. They are particularly useful for south and west-facing windows that receive the most direct sun. By completely blocking sunlight, they prevent a significant amount of heat from entering the room.
- Cellular Shades: Also known as honeycomb shades, these window treatments are an excellent investment. Their unique design features air pockets that act as an insulator, trapping air and preventing heat from passing through. They are highly energy-efficient and come in a variety of styles.
- Solar Shades: These shades are designed to block UV rays and reduce glare while still allowing you to see out your window. They are a great compromise if you don’t want to completely darken a room but still need to reduce heat gain.
- Exterior Shades & Awnings: For the ultimate in heat control, consider exterior shades or awnings. They block the sun’s rays before they even reach the window glass, making them a very effective solution.
2. Proper Ventilation: The Airflow Advantage
Your home’s ventilation system plays a key role in keeping you comfortable. Proper airflow can help dissipate heat and humidity, reducing the workload on your AC.
- Strategic Use of Fans: A ceiling fan doesn’t actually lower the temperature of a room, but it creates a wind-chill effect that makes you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. This allows you to set your thermostat a bit higher without sacrificing comfort. Remember to set the fan to rotate counter-clockwise in the summer to push air down.
- Exhaust Fans: Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to pull hot, humid air out of your home. This is especially important when you are cooking or taking a hot shower.
- Attic Ventilation: Your attic can get incredibly hot in the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 150°F. This heat radiates down into your living space, forcing your AC to work overtime. A professionally installed attic fan or improved passive ventilation (like ridge and soffit vents) can help pull this hot air out, reducing the heat load on your home.
3. Energy-Saving Practices: Small Changes, Big Savings
Sometimes, the simplest habits can lead to the biggest energy savings.
- Adjust Your Thermostat: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home in the summer. When you’re away or sleeping, you can set it a few degrees higher. Programmable or smart thermostats can do this automatically for you, ensuring your home is cool when you need it and conserving energy when you don’t.
- Use Appliances Wisely: Avoid using heat-generating appliances like your oven, stove, or clothes dryer during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for a grill outside, or run your dishwasher and dryer at night when temperatures are cooler.
- Seal Leaks: Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal air leaks around windows and doors. This is a low-cost DIY project that can save you up to 10-15% on heating and cooling costs. (Source: Energy.gov).
- HVAC Maintenance: A professional HVAC tune-up in the spring can ensure your unit is running at peak efficiency. This includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and replacing filters. A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes your system work harder, using more energy and leading to higher bills.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is it better to turn my AC off when I’m gone or just raise the temperature?
It’s almost always better to set your thermostat to a higher temperature rather than turning it off completely. If you turn it off, the temperature and humidity in your home will rise, and your AC will have to work much harder to cool it back down when you return. Setting it 5-10 degrees higher than your “home” temperature is a great way to save energy without overworking the system.
Do new windows really make a difference?
Yes, they can make a significant difference, especially for older Wichita homes with single-pane windows. Upgrading to energy-efficient, double- or triple-pane windows with Low-E coatings can reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. A window replacement project is a bigger investment, but it provides a tangible return in both energy savings and home value.
What about my attic? How can I tell if it needs better insulation or ventilation?
Your attic’s insulation level is measured in R-value. For Wichita’s climate, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an R-value between R-38 and R-60. If you can see the tops of your ceiling joists, you likely need more insulation. Signs of poor attic ventilation include moisture on the underside of the roof, a lack of air movement, and excessively high temperatures. A professional inspection from a company like Wichita Home Works can provide an accurate assessment.
What is the most effective thing I can do right now, without a major remodel?
The most effective and immediate change you can make is to manage your windows. Close your blinds, shades, or curtains on sunny sides of the house during the day. This simple action can drastically reduce the amount of heat entering your home and give your AC a much-needed break.
Wichita Home Works: Your Partner for a Cooler Home
At Wichita Home Works, we are more than just a remodeling company; we are your partners in creating a comfortable, efficient, and beautiful home. Whether you need an energy audit to identify heat leaks, professional window installation, or attic insulation to prepare your home for the seasons, we have the expertise to help. Our goal is to provide solutions that not only beat the Wichita heat but also save you money and increase your home’s value for years to come.
Ready to take control of your summer comfort? Contact Wichita Home Works today for a free consultation. Let’s make your home a cool and comfortable retreat from the Kansas heat.
