Keeping Summer Heat Gain Minimal in Your Corpus Christi Home

Sure, you have an air conditioner to rely on when it gets hot outside. But you’re probably keeping an eye on your cooling costs. In Corpus Christi, they can get right up there, along with the temperature. Fortunately, there are quite a few common sense ways you can keep your cooling costs in line. They involve minimizing heat gain, whether it’s from the sun or appliances you use in your home. Here are some tips for keeping your Corpus Christi home cool and your energy bills in line. 

Insulate and seal: The better insulated and sealed your home is, the better job it can do at maintaining a comfortable indoor temperatures. Adequate attic insulation and quality windows go a long way toward tightening your home. Sealing exterior cracks, doors and window frames can also help to keep the hot air out.

Rely on fans and natural ventilation when you can: Use ceiling fans in tandem with your air conditioner. The breeze created by a fan can allow you to raise your thermostat by a degree or two.

Reflect: Lighter surfaces reflect sunlight, while darker surfaces absorb it. If you’re painting your home this summer, choose a lighter color, which can significantly lessen solar heat gain.

Shade your home where possible: 

• Plant trees and shrubs to shield your home. This will also enhance your home’s curb appeal.
• Awnings and other overhangs can keep sunlight from penetrating windows and raising your indoor temperature.
• Have a reflective coating applied to your windows. Alternatively, close your curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day.

Minimize heat generation: Ovens, ranges, dryers and incandescent light bulbs are all examples of heat-generating devices. Use them minimally during the hottest part of the day to keep your interior as cool as possible.

Contact Mathews CCAC for more expert advice on how to minimize summer heat gain. Our superior customer service keeps Corpus Christi homes comfortable year-round.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat gain and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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