Learn About Heat Gain and How to Manage It

Heat gain undermines air conditioner efficiency as well as the comfort of your home in the summer. It is important to inspect your home, even if it is a newer home for any sources of heat gain.

Sources of Interior Heat

Heat gain generally refers to the increase of heat in an interior space. This can result from hot air seeping in through cracks or separations in windows, doors, and any indoor/outdoor surface capable of being opened or removed. Beyond cracks and separations, solar heat can also be transmitted particularly through windows and glass doors. Indoors, heat gain can come from lights, occupants and their activities — such as playing, cooking, and general use of appliances. Your home can also lose much-needed cool air through these leaks and cracks.

Managing Heat Increase

Windows can account for a lot of heat increase in a typical home. You can control solar heat gain by shading sunny windows on the outside with trees, shrubs, awnings and screens, and installing shaded film on the inside. Blinds, drapes and shutters are also helpful, just be sure to close them during the day. Use caulk, weatherstripping, and rubber seals to prevent heat gain and the loss of cool air from windows and doors.

Doors and walls can be painted using a light color to reflect the sunlight. Adequate insulation can also diminish heat increase through walls and ceilings. Ceilings can also account for a significant amount of heat transference to rooms because of the transfer of heat from the attic to ceiling. Insulation and ventilation can go a long way in reducing this heat transfer within the home.

Plan meals to include those with shorter cooking times, and limit the use of the oven during the hot months. Using the washer and dryer in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler will do much in helping to reduce the reliance on the air conditioner to keep your home cool.

For more on reducing heat gain, or for other solutions for summertime comfort, call Brennan’s Heating and Air Conditioning at (703) 491-2771 . We also provide efficient systems for your home comfort needs.

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