Most homeowners spend plenty of time looking out of their windows, but when was the last time you ever looked at yours? A quick inspection could reveal problem areas that are causing you to lose out on energy dollars every single month. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to improve the energy efficiency of existing windows. Take a look at these tips for both quick fixes and long term solutions and start saving today.
For Drafts
Have you noticed a draft coming in through your doors and windows? Even seemingly small cracks and gaps can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of your home, cause issues with discomfort and allow precipitation or dust to find its way inside. To remedy these issues you can try:
Rope caulk can be picked up at your local home improvement store and molded into any crack in a matter of minutes.
Plastic V-Seal weather strips are easy to install and are an affordable means of eliminating air leaks while maintaining window operability.
Shrink film is a great way to create a drum-tight seal during the colder months that will stop drafts and improve window energy efficiency.
A permanent solution to deterring drafts is to remove your existing panes and apply a new layer of putty and glazing. This will better secure the panes and get rid of gaps that cause you to throw money out the window.
For Heat Loss/Gain
Heat is able to enter and leave your home even through shut windows. The simplest way to fix this is by installing insulated curtains. These attractive drapes feature a thick layer of high-density foam which prevents heat from passing through and keeps your home at a comfortable and energy-efficient temperature.
For more tips and tricks on how to improve the energy efficiency of existing windows, feel free to get in touch with the experts at Air Assurance. We've been servicing the greater Tulsa area since 1985.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “My-Portfolio/Shutterstock”