The Chicago Patch is advising residents of the city and its suburbs that the area is facing a “hotter-than-average” summer. In fact, the entire region west of Lake Michigan should expect a “minor to moderate drought.”
If you live in the Chicago area from Barrington up to the border, you might want to make extra preparations for the next few months’ temperatures. Knowing the basics of sunstroke and rehydration is great, but you could also take steps to ensure your immediate environment remains comfortable.
Insulate your home
For example, you could improve the insulation in your home by upgrading your windows. This need not be a large-scale project – you could start by fixing or replacing the ones in the rooms you spend lots of time in. Now might be a good time to finally call trusted Barrington windows contractors if you’ve been dragging your feet on such a task.
Ask them if you could have low-emissivity windows installed. These feature a coating that reduces the amount of heat entering a building, and helps keep cool air inside from escaping outdoors. Both energy- and cost-efficient, these “low-E” panes will be a benefit long past the summer; come winter, the coating will help keep interior heat from seeping out.
You may already have good insulating windows, though. Are your windows framed by vinyl or wood? These materials are considered among the better options for low heat transfer. Just ask if they still get the job done, and you’re set.
Treat your windows
If window repair or replacement isn’t your best option, you could try these different home improvement projects:
- Weatherstrip your windows. Sealing the tiniest cracks can go a good way to keeping out the heat.
- Roll out the high-reflectivity window film. Film deflects light, reduces glare, and blocks ultraviolet rays.
- Add shutters, if need be – they’re the strongest of window coverings.
- Hang up cell or honeycomb shades, instead of regular horizontal or vertical blinds. Aside from filtering light, honeycomb-shaped shades trap warm air in their cell-like pockets. They provide an extra buffer between a window and the room.
Thinking larger-scale?
Repairing or upgrading your home’s siding is also a good idea for enhancing insulation. Siding projects will be more extensive and expensive than window work, but could be better if you’ve been thinking of a total overhaul for your home.
Whichever project you choose, just make sure you work with a contractor who will turn in a better-than-average job for your hotter-than-average summer.
Sources:
Summer Weather Prediction: Heat and Drought for Illinois
patch.com
Types of Windows: Replacement Window Buying Guide
lowes.com
7 Ways to Better Insulate Your Windows this Summer
blog.blinds.com
