Trying to stay cool in the California sun is not easy, and Los Angeles smog can make the heat feel worse. Even if your air conditioner is pumping out cold air, however, your home could be uncomfortably warm if hot air gets in from outdoors or if heat is generated indoors. Luckily, you can stop heat gain if you:
- Shade your windows outside and inside. The best way to stop heat gain is with shading, since much of the heat getting into your home in the summer may be coming through the windows. Outdoor window shading – with hedges, vines and awnings, for example – is more effective than indoor shading, but a combination of outdoor shades and indoor shades such as window tints or blinds can offer the most relief. In addition to keeping window blinds or curtains drawn on sunny days, be sure to keep windows firmly closed to prevent hot air from creeping in.
- Stop generating heat indoors. Running your dishwasher, clothes dryer and other appliances can all turn up the heat in your home. Try to leave heat-generating appliances off until later in the evening, when the day has cooled off.
- Weatherize and insulate. Residents of Southern California don’t generally need to worry about winterizing, but insulation and weatherizing is important because it can keep hot air out. Insulation in ceilings and in exterior walls can help keep a home cooler, as can caulking around windows and doors. Seal up any cracks to prevent heat from seeping in and you may save some money on energy bills this summer.
- Check the attic. Another good way to stop heat gain is by insulating and ventilating the attic, so that it does not heat up and seep heat into your living space. Keeping your attic cooler can also help protect your roof.
Around The Clock Heating & Air Conditioning Incorporated has been helping homeowners in the Los Angeles area since 1967. If you have questions with heating or cooling or need help with installation, maintenance, or other services for your heating and cooling systems, contact us for fast, professional help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about stopping heat gain and other HVAC topics, downloadour free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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