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One of the reasons why Las Vegas is a great place to live is because of its pleasant weather. While some summer days tend to be burning hot, most days are the perfect temperature. Plus, we don’t experience excruciating winters, unlike other cities in the country. That’s why many people from the valley tend to forget that they still need to weather-proof their homes in Las Vegas.
Here are some tips to help you save energy and money while keeping your home comfortable regardless of the season.
Weather-Proof Your Home in Las Vegas: 8 Tips
Protecting Your Home from the Heat
1. Tint your home windows.
Inspect your window seals to make sure none are broken or cracked. If they are, fix them right away, as they’re causing cool air to escape from your home. Add window coverings like curtains, blinds, or shades to prevent sunlight from shining in directly and heating up the room.
Similarly, install energy-efficient window attachments like low-e films, tints, UV blockers, or thicker films. These window treatments block solar heat gain, keep sunlight to a minimum, and protect your home against glare and UV exposure.
Essentially, tinting your windows keeps your home cool during summer and lowers your energy bill. Checkout these other options for energy-efficient window attachments you can consider.
2. Keep the ceiling fans going.
To maintain a cool temperature in your home, air needs to constantly circulate.
Rotate your ceiling fans counter-clockwise to allow the blades to push the cooler air downward. In this direction, it makes the air feel cooler when the A/C is on and allows you to raise your thermostat without reducing comfort.
Likewise, take advantage of the cooler evenings. Keep your ceiling fan on throughout the night so that air moves around your home. On top of that, you get to save money because the A/C won’t be used throughout the night as much.
3. Insulate your house.
Proper home insulation reduces the amount of heat that comes through the attic, roof, and walls.
You can purchase insulation materials at your local hardware store. When installing it, make sure to wear proper protection and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to inject the foam insulation into your walls.
Insulation is a cost-effective way to weather-proof your home in Las Vegas because it’s also beneficial during cooler months. While it keeps the heat outside during summer, it maintains the heat inside during winter. Plus, if your hot water tanks and pipes are insulated, water remains hot (or warm) for a longer time.
4. Use a programmable thermostat.
Program your thermostat to specific temperatures and times of day. For example, you can set it to lower temperatures while you are asleep or at work. The thermostat will automatically raise to your desired temperature when you wake up or get home.
Similar to insulation, programmable thermostats are useful during cold months. While much of Las Vegas doesn't get snow, it can still get pretty chilly during winter. So, when it’s gets cold, set your thermostat to turn on the heating gradually or maintain your desired temperature. You can also use this to keep your heater running at an optimal energy efficiency during winter.
This emerging home technology helps you save on energy bills and be in control of the heat or cold in your home.
5. Limit the heat indoors.
Most of the time, the things inside your house are contributing to the hot temperature.
Consider these to reduce the heat in your home:
- Avoid using the oven or stove during summer; use a slow cooker instead.
- Cook or grill your family meals outdoors.
- Don’t put lamps or TV sets near the thermostat.
- If possible, use appliances like computers, washing machines, and dryers at a cooler time of day (early morning or late in the evening).
- Switch to energy-efficient or LED lights.
- Minimize the use of appliances and devices that generate heat.
Protect Your Home From the Cold
1. Seal doors, floors, and windows.
Cracks and holes indoors and windows leak heat and bring in cold air, so it’s important to seal these with insulating strips. Install caulking with layers of plastic film around the edges of your windows. For doors, install a bottom seal to prevent cold air from entering.
Likewise, gaps in floors cause heat loss in homes, so be sure to cover them with a silicone-based filler. If you have wooden floorboards, carpets or rugs can help keep in the warmth.
Be sure not to cover air vents, as you may be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they are blocked in a room.
2. Clean your roof, furnace, gutters, and ducts.
If your roof has worn shingles or tiles, make sure you replace them immediately. Check that there are no leaks, clean out gutters, and spray water down the downspouts. Explore installing leaf guards on gutters or extensions on downspouts so water will flow away from your home.
Similarly, HVAC ducts should be cleaned regularly to ensure that they work effectively at all times. These should be vacuumed thoroughly to clean out dust, gunk, hair, and other unnecessary particles.
Lastly, have your fireplace/furnace inspected by a certified Las Vegas heater repair company to ensure it functions optimally during the cold season. If you have wood-burning or gas fireplaces, make sure to clean and maintain them regularly. Add a cap or screen at the top of the chimney to keep out birds, insects, and rodents.
3. Protect your home pipes.
While Las Vegas doesn’t have too many unbearably freezing days, it’s important to secure your home pipes during the season.
To avoid burst pipes, clear the lines and turn off valves before it gets too cold. Make sure to insulate spigots and exposed pipes, shut off hose bibs inside your house, and completely drain pipe lines. For the pipes in your garage, consider wrapping them with heating tape, foam rubber sleeves, or fiberglass insulation.
Las Vegas weather is generally enjoyable – whether it’s summer or winter. But you can still waste a lot of resources if your home is not ready for the uncertainties the weather could bring. To make sure that you’re prepared, these eight simple steps can help improve the energy efficiency of your house.
Ready to find your dream home in Las Vegas? Contact The Brendan King Group today! Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you make it happen.
