Four Tips for Getting Your Windows Winter Ready
Four Tips for Getting Your Windows Winter ReadyWhen fall comes, the temperature drops, and we all get ready for winter. We buy warm clothing, turn on our furnaces and do all we can to insulate our houses.
Heat gain and heat loss through windows account for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Therefore, you will want to make sure your windows are well insulated.
This article will talk about some ways you can make sure your windows will keep your house warm during the winter.
What Are Some Signs That My Windows Need Insulation?
Not every homeowner will need to insulate for the winter. In some cases, the windows may already have all the insulation they need. But here are some signs that tell you that you may have to do something extra to keep your home warm.
- Window panes rattle in the wind
- Moisture build-up around the edges of the window
- The area around the window feels colder than the rest of the home
- The window is difficult to open and close
Window Insulation Tips
If your windows are showing signs that they may need insulation, here are some things you will want to do.
Cover Leaks With Rubber Sealing
Use self-stick rubber sealing to seal the gaps in your windows that may be letting in drafty air. The sealing is available at most hardware stores. Cut strips that fit your windows’ dimensions and put it around the pane. This will work to seal up holes and gaps.
If you don’t have rubber sealing, you can also make DIY draft snakes which are pieces of fabric stuffed with dry rice. Putting these under your windowsill will help reduce drafts.
Buy Cellular Shades
Cellular shades work to insulate your home without blocking out sunlight. They can be custom ordered to fit the windows in your home. Consider adding these to all your windows for the ultimate in energy efficiency.
Make Sure Your Windows are Energy Efficient
If your windows are old, they may not be updated to have the latest energy-efficient features. Windows should be double or triple pane and have a low-E coating that reflects infrared energy that allows the window to let light in from the outside while keeping heat inside. They should also be gas-filled to provide optimal thermal efficiency.
If you have older windows that don’t have the latest energy-efficient features, you may want to change them out before temperatures drop. This is a big investment but the savings on your energy bill will make up for expenses in the long run.
Lock Your Windows
If you live in a safe enough neighborhood, you may not feel like it’s necessary to lock your windows all the time. However, locking the window seals them tightly ensuring that no energy will escape.
Winter is coming, but these tips will ensure your house is ready for the drop in temperature. What tips do you recommend for keeping energy bills low during the cold weather months?