If you are like many Houston residents, you might have made some home upgrades over the summer to increase the energy efficiency of your home. There are a lot of improvements both small and large that you can invest in that will help you save on energy costs. While home window tinting from Solar reflections is one of those smart investments, (we’ll get to that later) there are some others that will work in tandem to tackle your utility bills. Take a look at the top improvements by Houston homeowners, there’s something for every budget.
Best Large Budget Energy-Efficient Solution
Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
Old or inefficient home windows are one of the worst offenders when it comes to energy leaks. Even new build homes have cheap “contractor windows” that are single pane and just magnify the Texas sun, sending it directly into your home. Energy efficient windows, on the other hand, have many features such as dual and triple gas-filled panes that diffuse the heat entering your home.
While energy efficient replacement windows are a large investment, replacing the windows in mosthomes with upgraded energy efficient models can save a family up to nearly $1000.00 a year. Given the average lifespan of quality replacement windows are at least 25 years—they more than pay for themselves in many ways.
Making the switch to energy efficient windows actually helps your HVAC system last longer. Since replacement windows keep the outside air from penetrating your home and the inside air from escaping—it means your HVAC system is not switching on as much and not working as hard. This translates into a much longer life-cycle for your HVAC unit and lower energy costs.
Replacement windows also increase the curb appeal and value of your home. If you ever choose to sell, having that upgrade is a plus to buyers and will help your home on the market.
Best Medium Budget Energy-Efficient Solution
Radiant Barrier Sheathing
Radiant barrier sheathing is an added form of protection from the hot Texas sun and its heat inducing radiation. Radiation from the sun is the main source of heat that causes your attic temperature to rise. Radiation affects your home’s temperature through convection and conduction.
Convection is when the heat from the sun is transferred via the air in the attic and heats the insulation. Conduction, on the other hand, is when heat moves through the insulation in the attic and down below and penetrates all over the cooler areas of your home—heat always radiates from hot areas to cooler areas. The hotter your attic, the more heat that moves into your house below the ceiling.
Radiant barrier sheathing is made of a panel of specialized foil that reflects heat and is applied to the inside of your roof. It literally acts as a barrier between the heat outside and your attic, resulting in a reduction of up to 30°F in the temperature. This means less heat travelingintoyour home below which translates into lower cooling costs. But because heat travels from warm to cool spots, radiant barrier sheathing also helps you retain heat in winter by reducing heat from your home transferring to the attic.
Best Small Budget Energy-Efficient Solution
Home Window Tinting
Even if you have already gonebig and installed the top rated replacement windows—the Texas sun is going to be beaming through your blinds despite your best efforts. Looking for affordable ways to keep your home cool and save as much financially is a question that many homeowners ask themselves.
The UV rays of the sun, even with the best windows can cost homeowners extra costs in cooling and discolored furniture. Home window tinting is an affordable solution that combats that and adds another layer of protection from the Houston heat. Home window tinting not only protects your home from heating up in the summer but also provides you with benefits such as:
- Privacy – With home window tinting films available in all styles, the most popular are reflective films that cannot be seen thru from the outside. This provides an added layer of privacy over blinds or curtains and allows you to see out on a beautiful day without letting anyone else see in.
- Home Value Boost – The way a home looks from the curb can have a huge impact on your home’s value when selling. Buyers surveyed in recent studies, find houses with home window tinting tend to look better maintained and more polished. Not to mention, that even homes that need significant work inside, but have great exteriors—still sell better because of the curb appeal.
- Security – Most home break-ins occur through breaking a window and happen quickly. The advantage of home window tinting here is, even the most basic film makes windows harder to break through. While they may crack, the film holds them together and makes entry harder for a burglar. Going further than that, there is also a specialtyfilm that is even stronger and makes it nearly impossible to enter at all. You may lose a window, but your belongings and family will be safe.
Needing Freedom From High Energy Bills?
If you have had it with the high energy costs over this past summer and need an affordable way to cut down your utility costs—contact us today. Solar Reflections has the home window tinting solutions for you that match your needs. Whether you want basic UV and heat protection, stylized reflective tints, or shatterproof safety film—we have you and your windows covered. Contact us today for a free estimate!
