Choosing Efficiency First

If you own your home, you will want to take the needed steps in keeping your heat or air conditioning from being emitted outdoors. Increasing the efficiency of your windows can be a great way to help reduce energy costs. Here are some simple ways you can improve the energy-saving capabilities of your window areas so they are not allowing heat or air conditioning to be lost from the interior of the home.

Swap Your Glass Panes With Energy-Efficient Windows

If your home has older windows in place, there is a good chance the glass is allowing your energy to be transmitted directly through the panes. Installing a new model with an energy-efficient rating can be extremely beneficial in helping you save on the amount of heating or air conditioning you use within your home. Take a trip to a window supplier to ask about different models available. Adding windows with double panes can help keep your energy inside where it belongs. Some of these have a layer of gas in between the panes, helping to block heat or cool air from getting outdoors. Some energy-efficient windows come with a coating right on the glass to help retain energy.

Add A Layer Of Protection To The Windows

Consider adding a layer of shrinkable wrap to your window panes during extremely hot or cold temperatures outdoors. This is an easy-to-apply adhesive that is peeled from a paper backing and the edges of the material are placed along the frame of the window, creating a barrier through which air can not penetrate. Use a hair dryer to shrink the plastic slightly, allowing it to remain on the frame until you decide to peel it back off. This is a great temporary solution to help retain energy in the home. Double up the protection by using thermal-lined draperies or curtains over the windows at times the weather outdoors is harsh.

Fill In Gaps Around Windows To Create A Seal

Make sure there are no gaps around your windows that allow air to escape. This can be checked by holding a lit candle up against the perimeter of the interior side of each window while closed. Move the candle slowly around the window to see if there is an increase in flickering. If so, this area is in need of some repair work. Add a layer of caulk around the window to help seal the void so air no longer makes its way in or out of the home. Weather-stripping is another method that can help block cracks around windows.

For energy-efficient windows, contact a company such as Statewide Energy Solutions.