30 THE QUEENS COURIER • AT HOME • JULY 13, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
at home
Increase comfort and lower energy bills for the warmer months
As the warm weather creeps in and
the country heats up, now is the time for
homeowners to make sure they’re doing
their part to help increase comfort and
reduce energy bills.
From the exterior to the interior, the
consideration of a few simple tips could
mean the diff erence between a summer
that’s hot and expensive and a season that’s
comfortable and won’t break the bank.
A real “pane” - Use windows to your
advantage. Turn off the HVAC if you’re
in a climate that cools off at night and
open a window. When morning comes,
shut the window, and lower the blinds to
capture cool air.
Seal it up - Keep the cool in and the
hot out. Homeowners are encouraged to
take a walk around their home and look
for cracks and openings that could let
hot air in. Seal up those areas with caulk
or weather stripping to increase effi ciencies
inside.
Plant some trees - According to the
Arbor Day Foundation, large deciduous
trees (maple, oak, elm, birch) planted on
the east, west and northwest sides of a
house not only provide cooling shade, but
also can reduce summer air conditioning
costs by up to 35 percent.
Insulate for the win - According to a
recent survey, 46 million homes in the
U.S. lack proper insulation. Th at translates
to higher energy bills and uncomfortable
residents. CertainTeed, a leader
in insulation, has just the thing for homeowners
with their new Insulation Selector
Tool. Th e Insulation Selector Tool works
by recommending a personalized selection
of insulation solutions based on climate
data, budget and the homeowner’s
specifi c needs for their home and family.
Th e tool considers a wide range of
variables that impact comfort, including
creating consistent indoor temperatures,
helping reduce family allergies, moisture
and mold, and providing noise control.
CertainTeed off ers insulation, drywall,
siding, roofi ng, decking, railing, exterior
trim and fence product lines, all proudly
made in the U.S.A. For additional
home improvement ideas, building solutions
and inspiration, visit www.certainteed.
com.
Courtesy BPT