There’s nothing worse than sitting next to a drafty window on a cold winter day, shivering as chilly air rushes over your arms. You realize your furnace must work harder to compensate for this cold air entering your home, but what can you do besides replace your windows? There are plenty of ways to reduce window heat loss! Here’s how to insulate windows for energy savings, lower heating bills, and improved home comfort.
Draft Stoppers & Door Sweeps
Commonly called “draft snakes,” these simple fabric tubes sit at the bottom of the window to prevent cold air from leaking inside. They are most effective when used with double-hung windows, which are most prone to leaking along the bottom. New rubber door sweeps are also effective at preventing drafts through exterior doors.
Insulating Curtains & Blinds
The right window treatments act like a blanket, covering the glass to keep the cold out. Some of your options include:
- Cellular or honeycomb shades: Pockets of air are built into a thin blind material, creating an insulated window effect without darkening the room completely.
- Fleece-lined curtains: Look for floor-length curtains labeled as “draft stoppers” to insulate your windows while still allowing some light to enter.
- Blackout curtains: For bedrooms where complete darkness is a plus, hang thick, heavy blackout curtains for an insulating and room-darkening effect.
Caulk & Weatherstripping
Caulk is a flexible, waterproof sealer that comes in a disposable cartridge. Various types of caulk are available, so make sure you read the packaging carefully. Apply the material in a straight, continuous line to fill any gaps around your windows and doors.
Then, help your windows and doors close more tightly by installing weatherstripping inside the jams and sashes. Weatherstripping comes in a roll and must be cut to length. Clean the application area and press the adhesive side down firmly. High-quality weatherstripping should last for many years.
Storm Windows
Installed as an exterior attachment or interior panel, storm windows reduce air filtration through the glass by essentially adding an extra pane. The upgrade is far more affordable than replacing your windows and may pay you back in lower energy bills within two to four years.
DIY Window Film
You may see this marketed as a “window insulation kit” designed to stop drafts in the winter. In essence, the kit is a plastic sheet that you tape to the window frame. Once in place, you blow-dry the plastic to create a shrink-wrapped effect.
The idea is to add an extra layer of insulation between the glass and your home, but several problems can occur:
- The plastic can bulge as the season progresses, creating an unsightly appearance.
- The tape can damage your window frame.
- Condensation may form between the plastic and the window, which can lead to mold growth.
- The plastic blocks access to the window, preventing you from opening it.
Professional Window Film
A much better option is to hire Window Genie to install window film. This mimics the Low-E coating available on new windows at a fraction of the cost of replacing your windows. It works by reflecting heat and light in the direction it came from. In the winter, this means more of the heat from your furnace stays inside where it belongs.
The film remains on your windows permanently, reducing summertime glare and lowering your cooling costs as well. It’s a long-lasting solution that improves the comfort and efficiency of your home for many years to come.
Please contact Window Genie to schedule an estimate for professional window film installation today!
