Living in an area that has a cold winter has its rewards (especially if you like snow), but one of them is not a high heating expense. Many people in chilly climates are afraid about their utility costs. Undeniably, the more heat you lose through windows (and lovely views), the greater your heating expense. Winterizing your windows is critical.
How To Winterize Your Windows
A few simple DIY methods might help keep the heat inside your home. The ability of a window to insulate is determined by its R-value. Less R-value equals better insulation. Windows, whether new or old, can contribute to up to 30% of your home’s heating loss. Increasing your windows’ R-value isn’t always cheap, but it saves heat. Some fundamental ways:
- Prevent cold air gusts from forming in and around your windows
- Winterize the glass. Temporary or permanent.
Then there are some more specific measures to assist winterize your windows during the winter. The following tips can help keep your home warm and your heating bills low throughout the cold winter months.
How To Winterize Windows From The Inside
Caulk and Seal Windows
Air leaks or draughts occur when air moves in and out of your home through window gaps and holes. You are losing heat through cold draughts around your windows. You may be losing air even if you don’t sense a draught. Start by looking for cracks and gaps around each window’s frame. Look for cracked caulking, rotting timber, and broken glass. Repair rotten frames and replace or seal missing glass. Look for cracks behind the interior window trim or wall. To help with draughts, install the non-expanding foam on all four sides. To remove the old caulking, use a putty knife or a screwdriver.
Before replacing the caulking, clean and dry the area. Caulking should be utilized for stationary joints. In addition, polyurethane caulk can be painted, does not shrink, adheres well, and does not attract dust or debris. A little caulking can save you a lot on your energy bills.
Weather-stripping
Weather-stripping is used on movable windows. It comes in felt, open-cell foam, aluminum, and vinyl. If you’re doing it yourself, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each method.
Felt is usually the cheapest and easiest to apply, but it is not waterproof. It’s the worst at preventing draughts. Vinyl is inexpensive but difficult to install. Metals appear to suit older dwellings best. Magnetic strips are costly but effective. Using any form of weather-stripping should assist reduce draughts.
Windshields
Consider storm windows for single-pane windows. They don’t provide insulation but can help keep air out of single-pane windows in good condition. Storm windows are made of low-emissivity glass or plastic sheets. They can be designed for inside or external use. Interiors are usually easy to install and clean. Simply insert them into the existing window opening to create an insulating air pocket that keeps the cold out in the winter. There are permanent storm windows, but if you can afford them, you should replace the windows.
Thermal Window Treatments
Placing plastic over windows is unappealing. Using heavy thermal lined window drapes is an easy way to keep heat in your home. You can use either floor or sill length. Hang them as close to the window as possible. You can use Velcro to attach them to the wall and overlap the panels to save energy. If you don’t have thermal drapes, two layers of regular drapes will do the trick. Better more, you may open them to enjoy the view and change them out in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer. Their versatility allows them to be reused year after year. Most homeowners prefer this approach since it is simple and inexpensive. Try cellular shades if you like the idea of window treatments but not thermal drapes. These can be used all year. They are more adaptable and may be customized to properly fit your windows.
Door Snakes
In addition, depending on the size of the space under your door, you may be losing heat. Door snakes are another simple and cheap DIY idea to aid with draughts. Door snakes are magnetically attached to long tubes of cushioning. You can buy them or make your own if you are crafty. To use, just attach them to the door, or lay them in front of it, at its bottom. They are available in a variety of patterns and lengths. It’s a cheap approach to keep out draughts and may even be used on window draughts.
Glass Film
If you want to learn how to insulate windows in the winter cheap then glass film may be the way to go. It’s not just for keeping the sun out and the house cool in the summer. Not to mention one of the most recent advancements in interior climate management. Glass panels can lose a lot of heat in the winter. Certain window films can trap heat inside. The latest models collect radiant heat from within and keep it inside. Depending on your window, several films are available. If you live in a storm-prone location, security films can protect you from shattered glass. They are pricier than regular window film. Often unflattering, window insulation kits are disliked by many homeowners. They are quite effective at keeping out draughts and are very simple to install. The expense of replacing windows makes it a low-cost solution to heat loss.
When heat loss is critical, window replacement is the only option. Schedule a window replacement appointment if this is your final resort, but first, try these cheaper do-it-yourself methods. Buying some kits may save you money in the long term.
If you would like to learn more please don’t hesitate to contact RPS Metal Roofing.