5 Tips to Make Your Windows More Energy Efficient

When you’re trying to save money in your home during the cold winter months by conserving energy a point of emphasis should be the windows and doors. Some ways to decrease those costs are simple and inexpensive and other could require more effort and are more costly. But both will pay off in the long run with a more energy efficient home and extra money to spend for other things (a Cook storage shed perhaps?).

So here are 5 ways to save money of your energy costs and make your windows, doors and other areas more efficient and less wasteful.

Do an energy audit

The first step is to define and limit the problem and an easy way to do that is an energy audit. An energy inspector will use thermal imaging cameras to spot leaks that you most likely can’t see or feel to pinpoint places where heat is escaping. Although an audit can have some up-front costs or it could also be offered free from your utility company.

Seal your windows/doors

Check the caulk and weatherstripping around all windows and doors. Then, reseal any damage or holes that could cause leaks and result in higher energy bills. Focus on areas like the meeting rails, stop moldings and the exterior outside trim of windows.

Use window treatments

Close your window coverings at night to protect from any cold drafts and open them during the day to let the sunlight help naturally heat your home.

Also, selecting the right window treatments can help you save on energy costs. Remember to consider the daily function of each room and the overall look you want, along with the potential savings. Two energy efficient options are shades and shutters.

Shades are a simple and effective way to save money because they are mounted close to the glass, with sides that close to the wall and seal it into place. Roller and Roman shades also work to insulate windows with a tight air barrier that controls infiltration.

Shutters reduce heat loss in homes and provide one of the best window insulation systems. Shutters, as the sturdiest choice, are placed tightly against the window frame to insulate the space between the shutter and the window.

Think about other areas

Although any home can lose heat around windows, there are other areas that also contribute to soaring energy bills. For example, heat loss from doors and windows is between 12-25 percent, while heat loss through the home’s roof can be upwards of 30-40 percent. So increase your attic’s ability to conserve heat by adding more insulation.

Choose more energy efficient options

Sometimes the best way to save money in the long run by reducing those energy bills substantially year after year is with a large change or upgrade. If your windows are more than 20 years old, it’s time to start thinking about a newer model.

Installing interior or exterior storm windows can reduce heat loss by 10-20 percent, depending on the type of window. Make sure windows have weatherstripping at the joints, have interlocking joints for greater stability and are made of durable, quality materials.

Replacing old out-dated windows with more high performance, energy efficient models can increase the functionality, aesthetic look and add a greater sense of comfort to your home.

A Cook Portable Warehouse can do the same things to improve your quality of life and decrease your long term storage costs. Learn more about us by downloading our brochure below. Or subscribe to the Cook blog to get a monthly digest of helpful home improvement posts!