Windows significantly affect your home’s efficiency, mainly for people living in areas that require continuous air conditioning during summer and heating in winter. They easily let air seep out or in the house, so your HVAC unit will have to run longer to attain the desired temperature.
You can manage energy loss through windows repairs, timely replacements, and making other simple adjustments. While looking for a permanent solution, double glazing is the ultimate option, but it’s quite expensive.
Still, there are other inexpensive alternatives that you can consider if you live in a rented house or are on a tight budget. Here are some adjustments that you can try to make your windows more energy efficient.
1. Install a Window Film
A window film is an insulation layer added to the window glass for additional shading. You can choose between transparent and translucent, permanent, or temporary options to minimize conduction or convection.
The tinted window films will help reduce the amount of heat getting into your house. If you live in icy regions, it would be best to consider temporary window films that you can strip out during winter to enjoy the sun’s warmth. On the other hand, if you stay in sunny areas, a permanent option will help prevent excess heat.
2. Caulk All Gaps and Cracks Around the Window
If there are gaps between the window frames and glass, hot or cold air can get into your house. Sometimes, it might be difficult to spot such holes. You can use a flashlight at night and look for light leaks through the window, and if you see any, add caulk around the windows to plug up the cracks. If you had previously caulked your windows and the sealant appears cracked, clean it and reapply.
3. Upgrade to Double or Triple Glazing Glass
Single panel windows are less efficient compared to modern alternatives. Hence, you may want to replace them with double- or triple-pane windows. Double-glazed windows contain two glass layers separated by air. Besides airtightness, such windows have a low emissivity, reduced conductivity, insulated sashes, and frames.
You can also add another layer of glass to your existing window if you need a cheaper alternative. However, such a task requires expertise, and you should have experienced technicians handle it.
4. Invest in Interior Storm Windows Systems
Add exterior and interior storm windows to minimize airflow into and outside the house. The panels could be from plastic, polyethylene, or any other material and is a temporary solution to prevent heat loss in winter and gain during summer.
Storm windows give you the double-pane effect and also help seal off drafts. If you have minor leaks, this could be the best solution since they have an energy-saving payback time of around four and a half years.
You can install an acrylic panel in the interior section, which is a better insulator than glass. Alternatively, you can consider the interior insulated panel with a double layer of plastic film and insulating air in between. The storm window fits snugly in the window frame’s internal part, held in place with small fasteners.
For the outer part of the window, you can choose to install a wood-framed storm that is very durable and improves your home’s aesthetics. You can also opt for the exterior triple track aluminum storm window for a permanent installation. They contain two glass panels, and you can easily slide up or lower the bottom panel. Storm panels help stabilize your house temperature, boosting efficiency.
5. Repair Broken Windows
If you have any broken windows, you might be losing too much cool or hot air. Addressing such an issue will help prevent excessive energy loss and improve your windows’ overall efficiency.
Although wooden windows have better-insulating capabilities, they are prone to damage from insect invasion or decay. Check the windows, frames, and joints for any damages, and fix them immediately. When ignored, smaller problems may escalate to significant issues that call for expensive replacements or massive energy loss. Inspect the paint and varnish conditions, and reapply them when need be. Replace severely damaged window parts.
6. Install Awnings Over the Windows to Block Sun’s Rays
To reduce heat loss from your windows, cover them with awnings. They act as barriers made from different fabrics to protect your house from extreme sun, heat, and cold. Awnings can absorb heat, which keeps your house cooler, reducing the workload of your HVAC system.
7. Upgrade Your Window Frames
If you don’t wish to replace the entire window, consider switching to energy-efficient window frames, which minimize air leaks. Fiberglass and vinyl frames even contain air cavities that you can fill with insulations for improved thermal performance.
8. Weather-Strip Drafty Windows
Weatherstripping resembles caulking, but it’s an inexpensive alternative to make your windows more energy-efficient, especially if you live in a rented property. You can use weatherstripping to seal off any cracks on the windows that you frequently open.
Weatherstripping basically looks like a roll of tape with foam attached to one side. You peel it off, cut it, and place it over any cracks in windows and doorways. Note that it comes in different types; thus, you need to choose one that can withstand the temperature and weather changes in your location. It even comes in different colors.
9. Add Window Treatments
Use insulated drapes to make your home more energy-efficient both in the hot and cold seasons. They block hot sun rays, which safeguards your house from excessive heat entry through the windows. Yet you can always open the drapes when you need sunlight in colder months or at night if you’re looking to let cool air in.
Alternatively, use quality window blinds to minimize the amount of heat that gets let in. Good blinds can reduce your house’s heat by up to 45%. Consequently, your air conditioning unit will run fewer hours to cool or warm the house, saving on energy bills.
Contact the Experts for an Energy-Efficiency Audit
Whether you are using new or old windows, you can still make them more energy efficient by implementing some of the above tips. While there are some adjustments that you can manage on your own, other complex tasks require professional assistance. With time, you will see a significant decrease in your energy bills.
If you need help in improving your home’s efficiency to maintain suitable indoor temperatures, reach out to McGowan's Heating & Air Conditioning. We will quickly assess your house’s efficiency levels and fix any problems to ensure that your heating and cooling system runs optimally.
Our company offers air conditioner repairs, maintenance, and installation services. We also deal with air duct cleaning, ductless mini-split installation, attic insulation, and air quality testing. Thanks to years of experience and exceptionally skilled staff, we guarantee maximum satisfaction and consummate professionalism.
Additionally, we have all the necessary tools to diagnose and fix every HVAC problem in Jacksonville, Bunnell, Palm Coast, and the surrounding areas. Call our friendly support representatives today to book an appointment and enjoy our reliable services.
