2 Considerations That Will Provide You With Better Indoor Temp Control

Keeping your energy bills low throughout the year can be tough to do when it's especially hot or cold outside, but it isn't impossible if the right temperature control measures are incorporated into your home. Making use of an air conditioning and heating system can be a big help when it comes to maintaining optimal indoor temperatures, but their use can be costly if supportive measures aren't taken throughout your property. Here are two considerations that are sure to provide you with better control over indoor temperatures year-round:

Maintaining the Windows

If your windows are more than a few years old, they may have small chips and cracks in them that allow unwanted air to seep into your home when it's particularly hot or cold outside. Even chips that can't be seen with the naked eye can let air inside, which tends to mean higher monthly energy bills and more wear and tear on the HVAC system.

This is why it is essential to have your windows inspected by a professional glass repair specialist, such as those at http://www.unitedglassaurora.com, once a year so that chips, cracks, and other damages that are present can be addressed before they become too serious or costly to repair. You will also find that it's helpful to seal the exterior edges of your windows and frames with caulking or spray foam insulation so that unwanted air can't squeeze through. Windows that are well sealed also help to reduce noise pollution from the outdoors as well as minimize the amount of insects, dust, and pollen that makes its way inside.

Finally, consider installing tinted insulation film on each window of your home for even more protection from exterior weather and to keep harmful UV rays from damaging your home's floor, walls, and furniture. Insulation film comes in a variety of colors, shades, and styles that will help give your home a newer look while increasing curb appeal. If you're so inclined, you can even use insulation film to make your windows look as if they were made of stained glass.

Landscape Design and Maintenance

Your landscaping can be a major factor when it comes to how well you're able to control temperatures indoors throughout the year. If you don't already have trees in the yard, it's time to think about planting a handful of deciduous options. Deciduous trees are full of large leaves in the summer that will shade your home from the heat and reduce your need for air conditioner use. They lose their leaves during the winter so the sun can naturally heat your home up and the heater doesn't have to face a lot of wear and tear. Your new trees will likely lower your energy bills, and what's more is that they will even increase your overall property value.

Plant your new trees near windows that tend to get direct sunlight during the summer, and make sure they are planted far enough away from your home that their mature branches won't hit the roof if they break and fall off during extreme weather conditions. There are tons of deciduous tree options to choose from that will add color and texture to your yard – some will even provide you with free food:

• Green Ash
• Weeping Willow
• Cherry
• Discovery Elm
• Magnolia
• October Glory
• Apple

You can increase the effectiveness of your trees by planting hedges along the edges of your property to help slow down wind speeds overall.

By putting some focus on your home's windows and landscaping, you'll be setting yourself up for optimal indoor comfort no matter what the weather is like, and you are sure to save yourself a significant amount of money as the years go on.