If your windows at home aren’t properly insulated during the winter months, you might as well be throwing money away. In fact 25% or more of your household energy loss can be attributed to poor window insulation. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can seal the heat in your home and save energy. With proper window maintenance in Northern Virginia, you can significantly cut back on heating costs for your home. Here are eleven ways you can insulate your windows against the cold.
1. Use Rubber Weather Sealing
Most rubber weather sealing window treatment in Northern Virginia is self-stick and can be found at the hardware store. It’s simple to install and only requires you to cut the strips based on the dimensions of your window. This method is cost-efficient and easy to do, but may damage your paint and may leave behind a sticky residue.
2. Try Window Insulation Film
This window treatment in Northern Virginia includes shrink-wrap and double-sided tape for application. Once the film is in place over the window, use a hairdryer to shrink the film and smooth out creases. Once again, this insulation method is cheap and easy but keep in mind that this procedure may give your windows a cloudy appearance until the film is removed.
3. Install Cellular Shades
On the more expensive side of winter window treatment in Northern Virginia is the installation of cellular shades. These window shades can add insulation while allowing natural sunlight to seep in. These shades can also be customized to fit any size and type windows and doors. Cellular shades can be pricey but are generally easy to install even without professional assistance.
4. Hang Layered Curtains
By simply drawing thick curtains over your windows, you can effectively shield your home interior from drafts, not to mention add a bit of color to your home. can The downside of this is that heavy curtain material can be quite expensive.
5. Place Draft Snakes
Draft snakes are fabric tubes that you can make at home and place on windowsills to prevent the cold air from leaking in. Simply sew a tube of fabric filled with dry rice shut and you're done. They’re cheap and easy to use but can be a bit tricky to make. Keep in mind that draft snakes only insulate the windowsill, not the rest of the window where additional heat is lost.
6. Install New Windows
If your home is still outfitted with windows from the 90’s, you might want to consider a change. Today’s technology has contributed to incredible advancements in insulated windowpanes and frames that will make a huge difference on your utility bill. Look for an energy star logo or check out triple pane or gas filled pane window types that insulate from within the glass. It's a great investment and will increase your home's value while decreasing your energy bill.
7. Cover With Bubble Wrap
A cheap twist on the window film idea is the use of bubble wrap. The small pockets of air bubble wrap is made of will act as tiny insulating capsules that warm to the temperature of your home helps keep your home stay warm. It let's sunlight in and gives your window a pebbled glass appearance. It's also cheaper than window film kits and can be reused year after year.
8. Cut Foam Board To Size
Another cheap trick to help keep your home insulated, is cutting foam board to fit inside your window frame. The material is super inexpensive and can be reused and easily placed or removed.
9. Caulk & Seal Cracks
Proper window maintenance in Northern Virginia should involve a thorough check just before winter to see if any cracks in the window frame needs to be filled. You can purchase caulk at your local hardware store to resolve broken seals, which can be drafty in the winter. But remember, this insulation only works on your window frame, and not the glass pane that contributes to heat loss.
10. Close Storm Windows
It sounds too easy to be true. But it is! Closing storm windows will help insulate your home and prevent heat from escaping by adding another barrier between the window and the outside elements.
11. Bunker Down The Hardware
When all of your window’s hardware is tight and locked, each component works to create an airtight seal that is designed to keep out the cold. Be sure to bunker down the hatches to help seal in the heat inside your home.
While you can easily create a temporary form of insulation for your windows, the best plan of action is to replace windows that are broken or outdated. Consider replacing them before the coldest months strike. Doing so will help you keep your energy bill low, while increasing your home value and enhancing your curb appeal. You also probably won’t need to worry about applying other means of insulation, as your new windows will likely do all the work for you.
Comments