The power of the sun
You’ve probably heard about the damage UV rays from the sun can do to your skin. If you park your car outside, you know that the sun can deteriorate paint and ruin seats over time. The sun is powerful, and it can impact your home in negative ways if you’re not diligent. Here are a few ways the sun might impact your home and ways you can combat its harmful effects.
The sun can negatively impact your energy expenditure.
One of the ways that we all feel the effects of the sun in Memphis is in our energy expenses. As sun pours into our homes, you can feel the temperature rise. Our first response is to crank on the AC – which can drive your utility bill skyward in the dead heat of the summer. There are a few ways you can combat the sun’s heat in your home. The first is to install light-blocking curtains. Ikea, Walmart and Homegoods have inexpensive options you can install yourself. Drawing the curtains during the middle of the day can do a ton to help keep your living space cooler. You can also install ceiling fans or use portable box fans to keep air moving. Circulating air can feel up to 10 degrees cooler than still air, which makes an enormous difference when the temperature outside is approaching 90 degrees. Finally, you can consider trying to harness the power of the sun to offset your energy bills! Installing solar panels can be expensive, but might be worth the investment based on your situation. You can reduce your carbon footprint, save money on utilities and potentially get a tax break. That’s a win-win-win!
The sun can affect your home’s curb appeal.
Curb appeal might sound superficial, but how your home looks from the street can impact your property value and contribute to the overall perception of your neighborhood. Over time, the sun will cause exterior paint to fade, can scorch landscaping and degrade decorative features like shudders. But there are things you can do to slow the sun’s progress! Make sure you are watering your lawn and landscaping adequately, especially during the summer months. Watering in the early evening when the sun is setting can help give the water time to soak into the soil before the sun rises again and evaporates any lingering water. To keep your house looking nice, choose paints and finishes designed for outdoor use. These usually are created to protect against aging from the sun. Darker, richer colors will look more faded over time, so if you want to keep your home looking fresh, choosing lighter finishes is a good option.
The sun can degrade key features of your home.
Around your windows, you’ll find a pliable glue-like substance called caulk. Caulk is really important to help your windows hold AC or heat within your home and keep the opposite out. But over time, the sun can dry out caulk around your windows, allowing air to flow in and out. Luckily, caulking your windows is something you can do yourself! You can remove old caulk with an exacto knife and then lay new caulk using inexpensive supplies from your local hardware store. If you want more instructions, check out these tips! Want to help keep your seals stronger for longer? Plant some trees! Placing small saplings around your home strategically can help cast shadows on your windows throughout the day – providing a reprieve for your windows!
The good news is that many materials you’ll purchase for the outside of your home are meant to withstand the sun’s rays. But making a conscious decision to protect your home from the sun can extend the life of those products further, maintain your curb appeal and help you reduce your energy spend. So, let the light shine in (but only when you want it to)!