The sun’s ultraviolet rays, or UV rays, are known for being a health hazard with prolonged exposure, but could they also affect your HVAC system’s energy efficiency? These rays enter your home through your windows when the sun is shining. Find out if you should worry about their effects on your air conditioning and what to do to lower the risk of sun damage.
Solar Gain in Homes
Although infrared radiation from the sun is the source of solar gain that heats up your home, it’s still important to reduce exposure to UV rays. UV rays easily enter your home when you have blinds or curtains open. If this happens, keep in mind that you’re also letting more heat into your home from the sun. During the summer months, excessive sunlight can lead to an increase in your indoor temperature, which causes your HVAC system to work faster than it needs to in order to keep your home cool. With your HVAC system running harder and for longer periods of time, your summer energy billswill start to get higher than they need to be.
Strength of UV Rays
Several factors can affect how strong UV rays are when they enter your home. A few of these include the time of day, the current season, the amount of cloud cover, and reflections off of surfaces. For example, the sun’s rays are at their strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this time, you should take steps to reduce UV radiation in your home by closing curtains or blinds. This helps keep direct sunlight from heating up your home, allowing your HVAC system to run less often and work more efficiently.
If you need help making sure your home feels cool all summer long, please contact Jackson & Sons today.
