Let’s talk window home change now. For any drafty window at home has to change for energy savings. Whether you’ve got a new or old window at home, change is quite a necessity now. Especially to have energy-efficient windows. Anything that makes you save on energy is always a good idea. Whether it’s the cost savings you’re after, or the desire to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle, you won’t regret making this more conscious choice. You can even create a more comfortable environment at home by making that change.
Especially now that people are staying at their window at home, energy is more than usual. Especially for school and remote working. That’s all the more that problem areas should have to be addressed. The changes can be little or huge, depending on the current state of your windows and your budget.
Here are some of the best energy saving tips for windows:
Here are some of the best energy saving tips for windows:
1. Seal The Gaps
Before making that big change of replacing your entire windows with brand new ones, you may want to start by sealing the gaps first. Often, this is a very simple change that can be completed using sealers you’ll find at the hardware shop. Especially if you’ve got older windows, this problem is pretty prevalent. But, you’d have to note that finding these gaps isn’t that easy. You have to start with a thorough inspection first, looking for areas around the window frames where there’s light. If this is difficult during daytime, you might want to do it at night, with the help of a flashlight. Another very effective way is through using an incense and holding it close to the windows. Watch where the smoke flows so you can see the holes.2. Look For Air Leaks
The common air leaks in a window at home cause energy costs to rise. These costs are obviously under the door. But, you’ll also need to find some of the other less obvious gaps that may be around your home. Generally, you’ll want to hire a qualified technician for this job as it can be difficult to decipher accurately on your own. This technician will perform what’s known as the blower test, which depressurizes each room, showing where the air leaks are. This is a very effective means to audit energy, which can help show the areas that need more insulation.3. Add Window Treatments And Coverings
Window treatments and coverings hit two birds with one stone: they’re aesthetically pleasing and, at the same time, increase energy efficiency in your home. Most window treatments will result in energy savings, but the extent of these savings will depend on the type of window attachment and the season. For instance, in the hot summer months, you may want to keep your window coverings closed to block heat. But, in the areas where it isn’t too hot, opening these to some extent will also bring more natural light in. The key is for you to create that balance.Some of these window treatments are:
- Insulated cellular shades. These are window treatments that look like an accordion, so it’s easy to fold them up and bring them down. These contain one or more air layers in each of their honeycomb cross-sections. Moreover, these honeycomb sections also act as an insulator to reduce the conduction of heat going through the windows.
- Roman shades. These are relatively inexpensive shades, usually made of fabric, that can be drawn up or down in a series of evenly stacked folds. The heavier the fabric, the better the thermal performance.
- Blinds. These are common window treatments that are more effective at blocking summer heat than the winter cold. So, they’re best applied to homes in locations that don’t have harsh winters or none at all. These are also more adjustable, as each of the slats can be adjusted to control solar heat gain, light, and glare. With so many options of blinds to choose from, here’s a fitting day and night blinds guide to help you out.
- Window films. These can block solar heat and can also protect against ultraviolet rays penetrating directly into your home. This is the best option for homeowners who don’t want to have window treatments that block their view but just want to control the heat that comes through their windows. Plus, window films also add a tad bit more privacy.
- Awning. This is a type of window treatment that works from the exterior of the home. It’s a roof-like shelter that shades windows from the sun’s glare. This can also help add shade to outdoor spaces. The key is to choose an awning type that’s tightly woven and opaque. Otherwise, a light-colored awning will only attract more sunlight.
4. Install Double-Glazing
Double-glazing refers to a kind of tint that’s applied to windows. This can help keep warm air inside the room and cold air out. It can also help reduce the noise coming from the outside. So, if you live in a busy neighborhood, this is another investment that’ll truly be worth it. This job is best for experts. But, despite adding one more layer of glass or tint to your windows, it’s still a cheaper and faster option than having to replace all of your windows.5. Change Your Windows
Lastly, the biggest project among the tips listed here is to change your windows. If all the other energy-saving options don’t seem to work, then it’s high time to change your windows. There are many variables that come into play when deciding on the right windows for your home. Some of these include:- Framing material. When choosing this, it’s important to consider insulation quality, appearance, and durability.
- Energy-efficiency. Of course, your new windows have to be energy-efficient, or else you’re just wasting money on new ones that work just like the old ones.
- Cost. While this is the biggest project you can do to your home, it doesn’t always have to break a hole in your pocket. There are many types of windows that fit many budget spectrums.
