Real Estate Tips

Winter Window Prep

Autumn is the season of open windows. Utility expenses may decline in the fall as the cool autumn breeze flows in through open windows, temporarily reducing the need to electrically heat or cool your home. Not to mention the fresh air!

As the temperature outside begins to drop as we head into winter, energy usage and expenses tend to increase. In fact, according to energy.gov, 42% of the average utility bill is spent on heating the home. That may come as no surprise, but did you know that windows can account for 10%-25% of that heating cost just by letting heat out?

Luckily, you can do more than just closing your windows to stay warm and reduce energy costs this winter.

Weatherstripping

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, American households collectively use about 22% of the U.S.’s energy. Unfortunately, a lot of that energy is lost through drafty windows. Before it gets too cold out, be sure to check all of your windows and doors for major drafts by holding a lit candle to your window and door seams on a windy day. Add weatherstripping around doors and windows where drafty to stop cold air from blowing in.

Window Film

Window film is a simple way to add an extra insulation layer to your windows. Window film can be bought at Walmart or online, and is incredibly easy to apply – just stick the film to the window, and blow dry it to seal it.

Note that window film will slightly distort the view through the window, so apply a test strip to a less visible window in your home before you do every window so you can ensure you do not mind the look of the film.

Heavy Curtains and Shades

Heavy curtains, on their own or atop cellular shades, can help prevent heat from escaping your home. While it’s a good idea to keep the shades open during the day on the south-facing windows in your home in order to let sunlight in, don’t forget to close them at night.

Consider Upgrading

If the windows in your home are old or single-pane, it may be more effective to upgrade your windows than to weatherstrip them. While updating your windows poses a greater expense upfront, the long-term savings may be worth it. New developments in glass over the years have made way for windows with high-performance glass and special coatings designed to reduce heat loss by reflecting heat back into the room, greatly improving your home’s energy performance.

Install Storm Windows

If you’re looking for a solution somewhere between weatherstripping and totally upgrading your windows, consider installing an external storm window. Adding storm windows can help reduce heat loss through the windows by 10%-20%.

What tips do you have for saving energy and staying warm in the winter? Let us know on Facebook!