Weatherization: The Key
to Blocking Heat
McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning relies on several
excellent weatherization measures to block heat gain in homes
and buildings. Having your home properly weatherized helps
keep your home comfortable and saves money on mechanical cooling
systems such as air conditioners and electric fans.
Weatherization measures—such as insulating, weather
stripping, and caulking—help seal and protect your home
or business against the summer heat in addition to keeping
out the winter cold.
Insulation
The attic is a good place to start insulating because it
is a major source of heat gain. Adequately insulating the
attic protects the upper floors of a building. Recommended
attic insulation levels depend on your location and the type
of heating system you use. For our Central Texas climate,
R-30 is the accepted standard.
Wall insulation is not as important for cooling as attic insulation
because outdoor temperatures are not as hot as attic temperatures.
Also, floor insulation has little or no effect on cooling.
(For space heating, exterior wall and floor insulation is
important.)
Duct Sealing
A recent study conducted by Austin Energy found that the
average Austin home loses 27% of the conditioned air that
is used to heat or cool the home to leaky ducts. Indeed, without
even knowing it, simple duct leaks can make your home uncomfortable
while adding hundreds of dollars to annual heating and cooling
bills. McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning can test
your duct system, using a Minneapolis Duct Blaster, to determine
exactly how much leakage you have. Then our experienced crews
can seal up existing ducts and/or replace deteriorated ducts
with new air tight ones.
Air Infiltration Sealing
Although unintentional infiltration of outside air is not
a major contributor to inside temperature, it is still a good
idea to keep it out. Outside air can infiltrate your home
around poorly sealed doors, windows, plumbing accesses, electrical
outlets, and through openings in foundations and exterior
walls. Through caulking and weather stripping. McCullough
can control most of these air leaks.
Shading
Shading your home can reduce indoor temperatures by as much
as 200F (110C). Trees and other vegetation, exterior awnings,
and exterior or interior shades can provide effective shading.
One of the most effective ways to block solar heat gain –
when trees or other means are not available – is by
installing solar screens on exposed windows. McCullough Heating
& Air Conditioning uses solar screens that are made from
quality materials. We offer several different frame colors
to match your home (mill, white, and bronze). Arch and trapezoid
windows can be done for an additional charge.
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