Homeowners need to know that a significant percentage of heat in their homes escapes through windows. Therefore, protecting your windows and doors during the winter is a must if you want to save on energy. Taking proper steps will reduce your heating bills and ensure your home is cozy and comfortable throughout the colder months.
If you’re ready to improve your comfort level and reduce heating costs, make sure to do the following:
1. Weatherstripping.
If you feel a draft coming in through your windows, identify the leaky spots and patch them up with weatherstripping to make your home feel warmer and save on energy bills. Do this by moving a lit candle around the window frames on a windy day to find the drafty spots.
2. Window caulking.
You can seal small cracks by adding a fresh layer of caulk, as window caulking tends to be the first line of defence against cold air. It can crack or form gaps over time, and you can continue to add fresh layers of caulk after removing the old caulk.
3. Apply plastic film.
You can use double-sided tape to apply window insulation film to your window panes and seal it with heat from a hairdryer. This clear shrink film is inexpensive and will allow your rooms to retain over 50 percent of the heat you generate internally.
4. Draft snakes.
Placing inexpensive draft stoppers on windows and doors will effectively stop cold air from entering and warm air from escaping through the windowsills.
5. Rigid foam.
For windows that do not have to let in light, you can just cover the panes using a piece of foam board. This would apply to attic and basement windows, and you can cut custom pieces that will fit snugly inside the frame and place them with the foam side pressing against the glass. This simple step will make a world of difference, as basement and attic insulation can significantly help reduce heat loss.
6. Rubber weather sealing.
You can choose to buy strips of self-stick rubber weather sealing and cut them into the right sizes to fit your window dimensions. Simply peel and stick the strips to the window frame to close any gaps that allow cold air to enter your home or warm air to escape.
7. Install honeycomb cellular shades.
This type of shade consists of a unique design which allows them to prevent cold air and drafts from passing through the windows and window frames. Lower your shades at night when temperatures are lowest, and keep them open during the day to allow the sun to warm up the inside of your home.
8. Use layered curtains.
Install layered curtains or place heavy fabrics over the windows to keep cold drafts out. Draw them during the day to let in some sunlight, but keep them closed whenever you have the heating on.
9. Place solid barriers above curtain rails.
Installing solid barriers or pelmets above the curtain rail will help prevent heat loss through the windows, and you can choose between plain or decorative pelmets depending on your home decor.
10. Replace the glazing.
If you see gaps around the glass panes of drafty windows, consider replacing the glazing compound used to fix the glass to your windows.
11. Install storm windows.
These windows will protect the main window from harsh forms of precipitation and reduce heat loss by creating a dead-air space between the two windows. Install them tightly around the window frame to prevent air movement and leave a small weep hole to allow moisture vapour to escape.
If your windows and doors are old, replacing them is the best option, and if you want windows and doors that are winter-ready, Concord Window and Doors can help! We are your go-to door store, and customers in Vaughan can rely on our products and replacement windows services.
Contact us today to discuss the installation of your new windows and doors!
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