How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Existing Windows

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”

Airflow 101: What's the Best Way to Ventilate My Attic?

While you should seal up your home to prevent wasteful air leaks, there’s one area in your home that should remain open to airflow -- your attic. During the winter, attic ventilation can help prevent condensation and reduce the formation of ice dams. During the summer, airflow through your attic can remove excess heat, protect roofing shingles and reduce cooling costs.

With these benefits awaiting you, you might be wondering, “What’s the best way to ventilate my attic?” You have two primary options -- natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation.

Natural Ventilation

A combination of soffit vents under the eaves and ridge vents at the peak of your roof lets air naturally flow in at the attic floor and exit through the top of your roof. This is the most common form of natural ventilation found today, although older homes may have louvered vents on gable end walls instead of ridge vents. Cupolas, a vented spire on top of the roof or wind-driven turbines that resemble spiraled mushrooms, are two additional options.

Building codes require your attic to have one square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of floor space. Half of your vents should be located at the soffits and the other half on the roof. It’s important to ensure soffit vents remain uncovered by insulation. You can install metal baffles between the rafters to provide an unobstructed path from soffit to ridge vent.

Mechanical Ventilation

If your attic isn't receiving the ventilation it requires, consider installing powered attic fans. Modern attic fans have sophisticated sensors that automatically open louvered vents and power up the ventilator when heat and humidity inside your attic reach a certain level.While this is effective for removing humidity and keeping your attic cooler, you're unlikely to notice significant, if any, energy savings. This is because the cost to run your fan will outweigh the decreased home cooling costs.

Now that you know the answer to the question, “How should I ventilate my attic,” it’s time to put your knowledge to good use. Contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow for the help you need.

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: “Enrique Ramos/Shutterstock”