Home Based Business Tips: How To Save Money This Summer

With gas prices still soaring in a belt-cinching economy, many Americans are planning to spend a lot more time in their homes and backyards this summer and opting for "staycations" instead of vacations. To cope with and conquer climbing temperatures and utility costs, the most effective way to make your home comfortable and energy-efficient this summer, according to some experts, is to consider your windows.

"Windows are the leading source of heat gain, accounting for nearly 50% of the heat that enters your home," says Scott Walker, president of Screenmobile, a national home delivery screen installation company. "Heat gain makes your air conditioner work longer and harder, which translates into higher energy costs." And, according to Ed Moore of manufacturer Shade Solutions, homeowners can reduce their annual energy bills by approximately $40 for every 16-square-feet of glass covered in screened material.

To reduce heat gain in your home:

• Open front and back doors to create cross ventilation. Screened security doors can ensure your home is safe and cool!
• Create barriers from intense sun glare and prevent glass windows from heating up your home by installing sunscreen shades or outdoor awnings on doors, windows, porches and patios.
• Screen-in or enclose your porch, patio or lanai to extend your living space while protecting your family from heat, insects and sun glare.
• Repaint building exteriors with light colors to reflect sunlight away from the building, thus lowering air-conditioning expenses. This is especially true for your roof.
• Install Energy Star windows, which cost about 50 cents per square foot more than standard windows, but save energy and increase comfort.
• Add shade trees or shrubs to decrease heat gain. Deciduous trees will block the sun during summer, yet shed their leaves during winter.
• Create shaded areas on your porch, patio or lanai and protect your interior furnishings with retractable roll-down sun control shades that can be hidden away when not in use.