It’s that time of year again! The temperatures are plummeting, and winter is on the horizon. Is your home ready? The windows and doors of your home let in more cool air than any other part of your home, which is why it’s crucial to winterize properly. Following the right preparation steps will help you identify draft problems and add layers of insulation to keep you warm all winter long. When heat escapes, your heating system must work harder to reach the temperature you set for your home.
Choose the best windows:
Double-hung wood windows abound among homes in this area. These windows have two operating sash that move up and down allowing for ventilation on the top, bottom or both.
Wood is one of the least thermally conductive materials available, and good-quality wood windows can last for decades. Look for windows with U-values and SHGCs of 0.3 or lower; they’ll have at least two layers of glass separated by a gas barrier, along with low-E coatings.
How to winterize your home:
Lock windows
Unlocked, your windows allow air to flow in. Locking them creates an additional seal again drafts. Therefore, walk through each room and lock those windows.
Check for drafts
Run your hand around the edges of your windows. If you are unable to locate the exact point of entry, hold a candle and note where the flame flickers. It’s important to replace or repair any windows that have a draft problem to keep heat in the home and the cold outside.
Check panes for cracks
Check your panes. If you find any cracks, now is the time to replace any that are damaged. Cold wind can find its way through the smallest of cracks.
Install storm windows
Further protect your home by adding an additional layer of insulation. Designed for the most extreme of weather, these windows will effectively keep out the cold. Storm or brand-new double windows installed properly are the best sources of insulation for your home.
Use Foam Draft Sealers
Even locked windows may allow a bit of air to flow in above and below the upper and lower sashes. Adhesive-backed compression foam is available for just this issue. Simply stick the foam to the top of the upper sash and the bottom of the lower sash and firmly shut the windows on top of the foam. It’s squeezed in between the frame and the sashes and creates a tight seal, stopping drafts in their tracks.
Hang thermal curtains
The final step to insulating your home is to hang heavy insulating curtains around your home. They should be a dark color to help absorb heat from sunlight, and they are thickly lined, designed to keep cold drafts from entering your home. Hang them from each window, and you’ll notice the cozy difference after just a little while.
By following many of these steps, you’ll help cut down on drafts during winter and you’ll likely save some money off your utility bills as well.
Click here to request a quote for repair or replacement of your windows.