Are you’re heating bills going through the roof? Protecting your windows from the cold is one of the best ways to save energy and keep your home warm and cozy all season long. Follow the tips below to prevent air leaks in your home and to optimize your windows for the frigid winter weather.
Change your curtains
Do you still use curtains as drapes in winter? Lightweight materials like pure cotton, lace and linen are not heavy enough to prevent cold air from entering your room. In winter, you should exchange these curtains for insulated curtains that have multiple layers that work to keep cold air from entering. These energy-efficient curtains also come with a layer of reflective film that can deflect heat into the room, preventing warm air from escaping outside.
Replacing weather protection curtains
When you have drafty windows, your HVAC system goes into overdrive to keep the temperature at a comfortable setting, increasing your energy bills in response. One way to stop these air leaks is to replace any weather stripping around your windows. To find areas that have worn down over time, simply light an incense stick and move it around the edges of your window frames. If smoke is sucked or blown into the room, it is a sign that there is a draft in that location. Replace any weather stripping in this area with a new piece to protect your home from air leaks and increase your overall comfort.
Caulk your window seals
Gaps and cracks around your window and sash can let in cold air that can increase your energy bills. To prevent air leaks, you need a proper seal around your window frame. Store-bought caulking material can seal any cracks and create a waterproof seal around your window. Just remember, if you already have caulk present, you will need to remove the old material first with a putty knife and repair any debris or rotten wood around the window before applying any new caulk with a caulking gun. The caulk should also be left to dry for at least 24 hours to harden completely and create a durable seal.
Foam your frames
If you have large openings larger than 2 inches, the caulk probably won’t be enough to seal it. For larger projects like this, you need spray foam that will expand and fill all the empty areas. Window and door void filler is also flexible so that it will expand and contract when temperatures change, ensuring that there will be no further damage to your window frame.
Get a draught stopper
Window sills are another area where cold air can enter your home. Often a towel won’t do much to stop air from entering, so it’s best to buy a draft stopper or a draft snake at your department store. You can find both fabric and plastic models that will keep heavy drafts out without affecting the aesthetics of your window.
Add plastic film
If you have poorly performing single-pane windows, you can block the airflow by applying an insulating plastic film over your entire window. Plastic film is inexpensive and very easy to install and remove. It is also the equivalent of adding an extra pane of glass to your window.
Replace any cracked windows
Do you have cracks in your panes of glass? Cold weather can cause them to expand and crack even more. Add the additional pressure from snow and wind and the glass can shatter completely. If you have any cracks, call a window repairman to patch them or replace the glass completely.
Install storm windows
Those who live in an area that receives sub-freezing temperatures like Ottawa and Edmonton can really benefit from an extra layer of protection like a storm window. These types of windows are usually installed on top of your existing windows to provide extra wind protection and weather insulation.
Upgrade to energy efficient windows
You can save yourself a ton of money and the hassle of repairing, maintaining, and sealing off your drafty windows by replacing them with new energy-efficient ones. The window materials available today are far more advanced than the materials in the past, providing homeowners with superior insulation from cold winter weather. The result – year-round comfort, lower energy bills, and less repair and maintenance work.
Are you ready to upgrade your windows to the most energy-efficient models on the market? M&T Glass offers high-quality materials that have a high ROI and can save you up to 50% per year on your energy bills. If you’re ready to start saving, find out more Superhouse Windows about our window options today!
Home Windows to the World
On the surface, the role of home windows is easy to define. They let you see out and let light shine in while keeping you protected from the elements.
But dig a bit deeper, and the real significance of home windows is far from an open and shut case.
Perhaps the best illustration of this can be found in everyday phrases that incorporate home windows.
“When fate closes a door, it always opens a window”
This quote is all about the window as opportunity and joy-bringer, and there are a number of home windows that fit the description that made this metaphor a go-to cliché. If you want to model your home life after the wisdom of this quote, consider one of the following.
If you want the chance to render a small space pleasant and practical, horizontal sliding home windows may be just what you need. Instead of opening outward, the operable sash slides in the plane of the frame. It’s a space saving alternative where there’s little room to walk on the other side of home windows. Also, if you enjoy outdoor entertaining or backyard barbeques, you can remove the screen and move easily from one area to the next while balancing trays, plates or conversations.
Picture home windows are an opportunity to maximize your view and the amount of light entering the room. At the same time, they offer something that many homeowners appreciate: Versatility. Not only will they work equally well in the dining room, living room and master bedroom, but picture home windows can be adapted to any home style from modern to traditional to somewhere in between.
For those who enjoy the perception of being outdoors without the reality of bug bites or frostbite, home windows comprising a sunroom are the perfect balance. With the many options for window composition afforded by modern technology, you can minimize summer heat and winter chill while bathing yourself in light, regardless of the climate or time of year.
“A Window to the World”
Often used metaphorically, “windowsindow” means that something gives you a broader perspective of the world than you would otherwise have, expanding your view, your big picture or your understanding. If this is what you want to live by, here are some great options.