The dog days of summer are here in Michigan, so we’re expecting high temperatures and humidity. Air conditioners are going as are fans. Ice cold water is flowing out of faucets and fridge doors.
Beating the heat isn’t just a matter of staying comfortable. For very young children, seniors, and people with certain conditions, it’s a matter of safety. Heat stroke can result in death or hospitalization, so staying cool is a priority in the summer months. However, the unexpected can happen. Power outages and air conditioners going out happen. And even without drastic losses of temperature control, drafts from your windows can make your house stuffy and uncomfortable.
Speaking of your windows, they’re a line of defense in case there’s a temperature emergency. Even on days when the air conditioner and the power work, a draft or a crack can make your house stuffy and uncomfortable. That’s why you should inspect your windows and prepare them for heat each summer. Here’s how.
1. Ensure there are no drafts
Checking for drafts isn’t just for winter months. If there’s a room that’s stuffier than normal, that could be a sign that there’s a draft. Look for cracks around your windows, on your window panes, or a breeze coming from the window even if the window is completely shut, just as you would in the winter. This time, you’re obviously feeling for a warm breeze coming in and not a chill.
Granted, a stuffy room could also be caused by sunlight. If your window is large and south-facing, more sun will travel through, warming up your room. That’s where our next solution comes in:
2. Drapes and shades
Drapes and shades can block out sunlight, which can be a lifesaver for a too-sunny window or if the air conditioner or power go out. Drapes and shades keep sunlight from coming in, and when sunlight goes in through glass, it works like a magnifying glass. The light turns to heat and turns your room into a roaster.
If you don’t have drapes, shades, or blinds up and the power goes out, grab a towel or a carboard box and tape it over your windows to stay cool. Keep it there until the power or the air conditioning comes back.
3. Check weatherstripping
After you checked your window for obvious breaks and cracks, did it still feel toasty … but you couldn’t pinpoint why? Check your window’s weatherstripping. Weatherstripping is the little furry, brushy strip on the inside of your window. It locks together with another strip to keep air 100% out of your home and keep your heating and A/C in.
If it’s worn, it will let drafts in, causing uncomfortable rooms and rising heating and air conditioning bills. It won’t be as noticeable as a crack, so you’ll have to check the weatherstripping with our tips here.
Need a replacement?
If you looked at your windows and discovered they’re the culprit of your stuffy room or home, it could be time for a replacement. Contact us today and we’ll come out for a consultation. Worried about sticker shock? Receive a free estimate before you call here!