California Energy Consultant Service

The term “cooling load” refers to how much cooling is needed for your home to reach your ideal room temperature. The lower the cooling load is, the more efficient your air conditioning system and the more energy you save. Read on as window replacement contractor California Energy Consultant Service shares the factors that affect your home’s cooling load.

1. Home Size — The bigger your interior space, the higher the cooling load. If you are turning your air conditioning on for the first time in the year, turn on the fans and open all the interior doors. Continuous airflow helps distribute cool air faster and more evenly, which can help you save energy, especially if you have a spacious home.

2. Air Leaks — Heat tends to move to areas with lower temperatures. Therefore, when your home enclosure has air leaks, heat infiltrates the cooler interior space. The air conditioner will then need to pump out more cool air to compensate for the temperature difference. As this cycle repeats, your home’s cooling load would increase. This is why window gaps and damaged weatherstripping should be addressed. Leaving the door open also has the same effect.

3. House Insulation — Many residential structures have insulation that’s built “up to code,” which means they have the bare minimum of insulation dictated by local building rules. However, as every home has different insulation requirements, chances are your home’s insulation may be insufficient. Having the correct insulation levels can significantly reduce your home’s cooling load and result in energy savings down the road. We recommend an energy assessment performed on your home to pinpoint insulation issues.

4. Direct Sunlight — Infrared is an invisible part of sunlight that can easily get through clear glass, even multi-pane ones. If the sunlight that goes through your windows feels warm, solar heat can increase your home’s cooling load. Invest in replacement windows with low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values. These windows feature glass packages with low-emissivity coatings, which selectively block infrared rays with minimal loss of visible light as opposed to tints that darken the indoor space.

California Energy Consultant Service performs home performance evaluations and other services that can benefit your home’s energy efficiency. Give us a call at (916) 239-7779 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova, CA.