✨Climate, Environment, and Sustainability

“Heat Dome” over Europe is Causing Record Temperatures

Countries in western Europe “are bracing for extreme heat this week”, reports Politico. The outlet says: “Spain and Portugal are set to experience the most extreme heat this week, with parts of Portugal expected to register temperatures of nearly 104 F, a record for May.  The extreme heat is caused by a “heat dome”, in which “warm air moving up from Northern Africa has become trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe”. This phenomenon is becoming more common as a result of climate change. In the United Kingdom, temperatures reached 95 F more than 3 F about the previous record.

Heat domes occur when strong, high-pressure systems trap hot ocean and atmospheric air, acting like a lid over a region. Climate change exponentially worsens these events. By raising baseline global temperatures, altering the jet stream, and rapidly melting Arctic ice, climate change makes heat domes hotter and significantly more likely to occur.

Source: Bill Shreve, Creation Care Newsletter

Richmond Shreve

NaCCRA Board Member & VP

Forum Moderator

Opening and Closing Window Coverings Can Reap Considerable Savings on Energy Costs!

To ensure maximum comfort and better manage seasonal utility costs, I propose we launch a community-wide "Thermal Comfort Initiative." As temperatures drop, our windows become the primary source of heat loss—accounting for roughly 30% of a home’s heating energy according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Proposal

We can significantly improve heat retention within our units by encouraging residents to follow two simple habits:

• Daytime Conservation: Closing blind, curtains, shades, blinds in any room not currently in use to provide a steady layer of insulation.
• Nighttime Insulation: Closing all window coverings at sunset to trap the day's warmth and block evening drafts.

Resident Benefits

This initiative is designed with resident well-being as the priority:

1. Increased Comfort: Closing shades reduces the "drafty" feeling often felt near glass, keeping living spaces cozy.
2. Cost Savings: According to Cornell Cooperative Extension, consistent use of window treatments can reduce heat loss by 10% to 25%, directly lowering heating expenses for those with individual meters.
3. HVAC Longevity: Reducing heat loss puts less strain on unit heaters, leading to fewer maintenance disruptions.

Supporting References

• U.S. Department of Energy: "Energy Efficient Window Coverings" – detailing how closed draperies can reduce heat loss by up to 10%.
• Cornell Cooperative Extension: "Energy Saving Window Treatments" – documenting the R-value benefits of residential window management.
• National Institute on Aging: Highlights the importance of maintaining consistent indoor temperatures for senior health.

I personally did this for years in two of my prior homes and noticeable reductions on energy bills. What do you think?

Maura Conry

NaCCRA

Forum Facilitator