Winter-Ready Windows: Keep Cozy and Save Money This Holiday Season
Northern Virginia can experience frigid winters. So, wintertime comfort and heating efficiency should be a top priority. One of the most significant factors in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency is its windows. They’re often a primary source of heat loss, especially if your windows are old or low-quality. The good news is that there are solutions to prevent your windows from contributing to heat loss. Here’s how to winterize your windows to keep the winter cold at bay.
Window Air Sealing
Even if you have high-quality windows, that doesn’t always mean they’ll perform well in the winter. The installation surrounding your windows matters, too. Poor installation can lead to air leaks around high-performance windows, making them less effective at keeping heat inside your home. Here are a few holiday home insulation tips that can help make your windows more energy efficient.
Look For and Seal Cracks and Gaps
If you want to prevent window drafts, you must look for the sources. Often, they come from visible cracks and gaps around your window casings. You should visually inspect your windows from the outside for any openings large enough to allow air through. If you find any, seal them with weather-resistant caulk.
Your cold-weather window prep should also include an inspection of your windows from the inside. Occasionally, gaps may form around your windows there, too. Pay careful attention to where your window casings meet your interior walls. If you see gaps, fill them with caulk as you did on the outside of your home.
Install Weatherstripping
One of the best ways to winterize windows in Northern VA is to install weatherstripping. You can use it to ensure your windows form a tight air seal when closed. Common weatherstripping products consist of adhesive-backed foam. All you must do to install it is to cut it to size, peel off its backing, and affix it in place. The foam compresses into place when you close your windows, making for one of the most effective drafty window solutions available.
Existing Window Efficiency Upgrades
Even after you air seal your windows for winter, there’s still more you can do. You can also help reduce the amount of heat that escapes directly through your windows. Upgrading the efficiency of your existing windows is especially worthwhile if they are all-wood construction with single-pane glass. Below are ways you can upgrade your existing windows and increase their energy efficiency.
Install Insulating Window Film
One of the reasons that double-pane windows boast higher efficiency than single-pane versions is that gases make good insulators. For that reason, the space between the panes of a double-pane window contains a gas, such as argon. It turns out that oxygen works well as an insulator, too. You can use that to your advantage to weatherproof your windows for winter by installing insulating window film.
Insulating window film adheres to the frame around your window and shrinks when you apply heat. The result is a sealed air gap between your window and your home’s interior. It’s an excellent way to reduce high heating bills due to your windows’ poor performance. And it’s easy to remove after winter so that you can open your windows again in the spring.
Install Thermal Curtains
You should also consider adding another layer of protection to help improve your windows’ thermal performance. Thermal curtains are an excellent option for doing so. They typically feature a thick material that blocks drafts and retains heat. On average, such curtains can cut heat losses through your windows by between 25% to 33%.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Of course, there’s no substitute for installing new, energy-efficient windows in your DC-area home. As a top local provider of window replacement in Northern VA, Ameritech Construction is happy to help. We sell and install some of the best windows for winter insulation purposes on the market today. Plus, we offer financing options on approved credit to help you pay for them. Our window experts can inspect your home and recommend windows that meet your efficiency needs and budget.
If you’re ready to keep your home warm this winter with new windows, contact Ameritech Construction right away. We’ll schedule a visit to discuss your options at your convenience.
