Even though it's another warm and sunny day in Southern California, winter is right around the corner. In order to make sure your home is prepared for much cooler temperatures, we're going to discuss how to make sure your windows are the perfect barrier between the cold outside air and your cozy, heated home. Beyond staying comfortable, drafty windows are a major source of energy loss that can help drive up your heating bill. However, you don’t have to live with leaking windowpanes, in fact, correcting the problem might be easier than you think. Here’s a few steps you can take to make your windows more energy efficient.
Weather Stripping
Take a good look around the fixture. Is the weather stripping crushed down or coming off? This allows air to drift in around the structure and cool your home. Remove the old weather stripping and replace it for better efficiency.
Reglazing
The glass is held into the panes and then secured with caulk. When that caulk starts to fail, the seam will leak air and allow your warm air to drift right outside. Stop this process by removing the old caulk and having the glass recaulked. If you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, you can call in the professionals to recaulk the panes and make your home more energy efficient.
Plastic Coverings
This is a top solution for people who rent. Special plastic is attached to the frame with double-sided tape. You then use a hair dryer to heat the plastic, shrink it, and form a tight bond around the fixture. It stops drafts and minimizes heat loss for a very small investment of time and money. Your view will look fine, and the plastic can be taken off when spring returns and you want to open the windows.
Thermal Drapes
Stop the heat loss and warm up the home with thermal drapes. The beauty of thermal drapes is that you can take them with you when you move, so this is another top solution for people who rent. In addition to stopping heat loss through the glass, thermal drapes will also address problems with poor insulation around the fixture.
Replacement Window Options
If you own your home, then the best solution is to invest in energy efficient window installation. Professional companies can provide you with upgraded window options and handle the replacement in a timely manner. Your home will be more energy efficient, and you won’t have to worry about reglazing or applying plastic over them before winter.
There are several ways to make a window more energy efficient. With professional window installation, you can enjoy the benefits of quality fixtures that stop heat loss and make the home warmer. While replacements are the best choice for homeowners, plastic and thermal curtains are a fine choice for apartment dwellers and renters.