Energy loss or gains happens due to various reasons; they could also occur through the walls, attics, or floors. However, there is one commonly overlooked culprit – the windows.
These air and light outlets are notorious for letting in unwelcome heat during hotter months and losing much-needed heat during colder ones. In fact, windows are responsible for the loss of at least 18% of the energy used to heat or cool your house.
Nobody enjoys being cold or too hot in their own house. Now, the most obvious solution to avoid energy loss and increase the energy efficiency of those old windows would be to replace them with energy-efficient ones.
Energy efficient windows are made of new and improved glazing and framing materials. They keep your house comfortable all year round. They also cost a ton.
All hope is not lost, though, and here are various tips to improve your window’s energy efficiency.
How to Improve Window Energy Efficiency
1. Use Insulated Window Coverings
You can easily install window furnishings like drapes, curtains, shades or fabrics. This is by far the most cost-efficient method to maintain window energy efficiency. By using heavy draperies or even combining blinds and curtains, you can be sure of keeping all the heat in during colder periods and hot air out during hotter months. Window coverings come in various shapes and designs, so you can be sure of getting one that will not only improve your window’s energy efficiency but also match the overall aesthetics of your house.
2. Line Your Windows with Caulks
Caulks are simply the sealants around your windows. They can be used for other purposes like sealing gaps or gluing building materials together. By lining your windows with caulk around the edges, you can be sure of improving your windows’ energy efficiency. You can also replace old and worn-out caulks by cleaning window edges thoroughly and then re-caulking them. Eliminate air leakages around your windows by applying caulks to the gaps and joints around your windows that are stationary.
3. Carry Out Regular Inspections
Some sources of window energy inefficiency are best nipped in the bud before they escalate. You can easily discover signs of wear by performing periodic inspections on your windows. You can also fill up little holes and cracks before they spread and become too large to handle.
4. Perform Energy Audits
If you are not experienced in windows energy efficiency, it could be hard to pinpoint the source of energy loss or infiltration. In this case, you need to get an energy audit of your house. Using thermal imaging, an energy inspector can identify the causes of energy inefficiency in your home. You can then think of ways to limit and fix these causes.
5. Double or Triple Glazed Windows
Windows lose a lot of energy through their glasses. A single pane of glass will not do much in the aspect of insulation and energy efficiency. You should consider double glazing or triple glazing your windows. Multiple panes reduce heat transfer and offer more resistance, insulation, and soundproofing. This solution is one of the more expensive on this list.
6. Proper Installation
The most energy-efficient windows will be completely useless if not installed properly. While they might not last forever, windows that were installed correctly by an experienced professional will last longer than the ones that were not. Always use top-grade and quality materials when installing windows. Going for cheap window materials might be a good idea at the moment, but they will cost you a lot of problems in the future. If you need help with choosing the best window materials or installing your windows to get maximum efficiency, our experienced professionals are more than happy to help.
7. Replace Your Windows
This is by far the most efficient way to improve window energy efficiency. You can replace your old windows and upgrade them to energy-efficient ones. Energy efficient windows may seem expensive initially, but they will eventually reduce your heating and cooling costs. Luckily, you don’t have to replace the entire window at once. When replacing windows, you can opt for a complete replacement or just a replacement of the window frame or panes. It all boils down to your budget and energy efficiency needs.
8. Call In the Professionals
Energy efficiency restorations are mostly DIYs, but there are times when you need to leave it to the professionals. It is often best to call in an expert to look at your windows and suggest the best, cost-efficient solutions. They would also let you know whether to repair or completely replace your windows. Also, some energy inefficiency causes like broken window frames, and the like can only be fixed by a professional. Attempting to repair them by yourself would only cause more harm than good. Luckily, our team of experienced contractors at Phoenix Siding has just the energy efficiency solution for your windows.
The Best Renovation Contractors on Central Vancouver Island
Do you want to repair, replace or install your windows? Look no further! At Phoenix Siding, we offer window repairs, replacement, and installation services across Central Vancouver Island. Our energy-efficient window services are top-notch, cost-efficient, and generally built to last. Contact us at 250-758-3818 to book a quote or schedule a consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about improving the energy efficiency of your windows.
