Dress Your Windows Up for Winter and Save Money on Energy
Posted on: 3 February 2016
If your windows are older than a few years old, you likely notice a lack of performance when it comes to insulating your home and supporting optimal indoor temperatures throughout the year. Replacing your windows altogether to protect your home and save energy can be a costly endeavor, but there are a few things you can do to enhance the performance of your current windows without the need for a complete replacement.
By dressing your windows up for the winter months, you can give your home a newer look and save yourself some money on energy costs at the same time. Consider implementing one or more of the following effective options:
Fix the Cracks
Cracks in your windows, no matter how small, are bound to let unwanted cold air into your home, which can be a major challenge for your HVAC system during the chilly winter months. Take the time to inspect each of your windows, and if you find any cracks, it's a good idea to call in a professional to get them fixed as soon as possible. You can use a quick fix to stop the leaks until they are properly repaired by a professional – follow these steps:
- Prevent the spread of cracks by using a box cutter to create a small arc just above the line of each crack so that the arc surrounds it – the crack should not be able to penetrate through the etched arc.
- Use shellac to fill in small cracks and holes. After the shellac dries you can sand it down so the surface is even with the window.
- Carefully fill cracks in with superglue, being careful not to leave trails of it on undamaged window surface areas.
Once your windows are professional repaired they'll look brand new again, but these quick fix steps should help minimize wear and tear on your HVAC system and help you save some money on heating cost in the meantime.
Tint and Insulate the Windows
By installing solar insulation film on your home's windows, you'll instantly improve indoor temperature management and start saving money on heating costs. Insulation window film actually minimizes both heat loss and gain, offering increased temperature control benefits all year long. This type of window film is extremely helpful during the summer because it prevents harmful UV rays from damaging interior walls, floors, and furniture.
Because tinted window film comes in a variety of colors, shades, and designs, you can turn your windows into a piece of unique artwork by piecing several different colors or designs together, or you can make them look like they are made of stained glass. Of course, you can apply a lightly tinted option and leave your windows free of any design for a crisp, modern look.
Install New Draperies
One of the best ways to dress your windows up for the winter months is to install new drapes on them. New drapes will give your home an overall updated look and add some extra texture to each room they're installed in. Drapes are also excellent at reducing heat loss and gain, depending on their thickness and their color.
Most draperies can reduce heat loss in the winter by up to 10 percent. If you choose medium-colored draperies with plastic backing, then your new drapes can reduce heat gain by more than a whopping 30 percent in summer months. You can minimize heat loss and gain even more by installing cornices at the tops of each drape. If you're thinking of installing draperies, consider looking into the websites of local specialists, such as http://www.sylvansdrapesandblinds.com, for more information.
These tips and tricks should help button your home up for a safe and comfortable winter without wearing out your HVAC system or paying a fortune in heating costs.
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