We all know how important it is to keep our homes well-insulated during the winter months. However, did you know that your windows could be a major source of heat loss? In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30% of a home’s heat can be lost through its windows. Luckily, you can do some easy things to winterize your windows and keep the heat inside where it belongs. This article gives tips that will help you stay cozy all season long.
- Add Curtains or Blinds
Drafty windows can be a major source of heat loss, so one simple way to winterize your home is to add curtains or blinds. Heavy curtains can help to block out drafts, and blinds can be closed to create an additional barrier against the cold. In addition, both curtains and blinds can help to insulate your windows, trapping heat inside your home. As a result, adding curtains or blinds to your windows is an easy and effective way to make your home more energy-efficient in the winter.
- Weather Stripping or Caulking
Winterizing your windows is important
As the temperature outside begins to drop, you may notice that your home feels drafts near the windows. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also cause your energy bills to skyrocket as you try to keep your home warm. One option to handle this problem is to install weather stripping around the perimeter of the window. This will create a seal that will prevent cold air from coming in. Another option is to caulk any gaps around the window. This will also help to keep drafts out and reduce your energy costs. With a little effort, you can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient this winter.
- Install Storm Windows
Another option is to install storm windows. These are designed to provide an additional layer of protection against the elements. Storm windows can be especially helpful if your old windows are single-paned or otherwise poorly insulated. In addition, they can provide a bit of extra security in case of bad weather. According to the Department of Energy, storm windows can help save you up to $465 a year on your energy bills. That is because they create an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the heat inside your home during the winter months. Storm windows are easy to install and available in a variety of styles to suit any home. Whether you choose traditional wood frame windows or more modern vinyl windows, storm windows are an effective way to winterize your home and reduce your energy costs.
- Keep Your Windows Clean
As the weather outside gets colder, you may find yourself reaching for the thermostat to turn up the heat. However, before you do that, take a moment to make sure your windows are clean. Dirty windows can significantly reduce the amount of heat that your home retains, making it harder and more expensive to keep things warm. Winterizing your windows is a simple and effective way to reduce energy costs and keep your home comfortable all winter long.
- Open Curtains During the Day
One simple but often overlooked way to do this is to open your curtains during the day. This allows the sun to shine in and help heat up your home naturally. Just make sure to close them at night so you do not lose any heat that you have built up. Doing this throughout the winter can really help lower your heating bills and make your home more comfortable. So next time you are thinking about how to stay warm, do not forget about your curtains.
As you have seen, you can implement a couple of methods to winterize your home this winter. However, you should know that many people think they can winterize their homes by themselves but it is best to call in experts. Professionals have the right equipment. Experts have all the necessary tools to winterize your windows, including weather-stripping and caulk. They also know how to do it properly. Winterizing windows is not as simple as just adding some weather stripping. The right techniques need to be used in order to ensure that your windows are properly sealed and that the heat stays in. Finally, working with experts will save you money in the long run. Winterizing your windows will help you save money on your energy bills throughout the winter months. The money you save will more than offset the cost of calling in an expert.