Heat gain can cause your air conditioner to work a lot harder than it should, leading to higher energy bills.

If you are sick of paying too much for your energy bills every month, then it may be time to learn a thing or two about heat gain. Although January has just begun, here in Texas, many of us are still relying on our air conditioners to stay comfortable, and if your air conditioner is having to work harder to combat the heat gain in your home, you’re likely paying more for cool air than you should be. However, in order to combat heat gain, you have to know what causes it. Here are a few of the most common causes of heat gain:

#1. Windows

When the sun is streaming in through your windows, it adds warmth to your home. In fact, windows are responsible for approximately 50 percent of the heat gain in the average home. To reduce heat gain from your windows, you could add treatments to the windows or add awnings for shade.

#2. External Walls

The sun can be absorbed by external walls, and if your walls aren’t insulated properly, they can’t block the heat from entering the interior of your home. Sufficient insulation goes a long way in reducing heat gain from external walls, but you can also paint your walls a color that reflects sunlight to reduce heat gain even more effectively.

#3. Air Leaks

Airs leaks make up for approximately 13 percent of heat gain in your average home. Reduce heat gain from air leaks by ensuring that all doorways, windows and any areas where electrical wiring or water pipes enter your home are properly sealed with caulking or weatherstripping. Proper insulation is also essential for sealing air leaks.

#4. Lighting and Appliances

Did you know that if you choose the wrong light bulbs, or you use your oven instead of your microwave, it can cause heat to build up in your home? Indoor sources, like lighting and appliances, account for around 14 percent of heat gain. To reduce heat gain, replace your traditional light bulbs with LEDs or fluorescent lights, and limit cooking your meals in the oven to cooler days.

#5. Attic Ventilation and Insulation

The attic is a definite source of heat gain in any home, but you can prevent heat gain with proper attic insulation and ventilation. Insulation helps to prevent your attic from heating up from the sun beating down on your roof, and ventilation helps the heat that has built up from within your home to escape into the outside air.

Although there are many sources of heat gain in any given home, the vast majority of them can be corrected through adequate insulation. If your home isn’t properly insulated, you could be spending more than you have to on your energy bills every month due to heat gain. Luckily, our spray foam insulation contractors in Houston are here to help.

Are you ready to start saving every month with proper insulation? If so, schedule your free estimate with the experts at Eskimo Insulation today!