2 Ways To Increase Window Efficiency

If you own a home and want to reduce your monthly utility bills, should focus on your windows. The windows can definitely be a weak spot when it comes to insulation and air loss. Regardless of if you live somewhere extremely hot or extremely cold, having old windows that are leaking and have poor insulation can definitely increase your reliance on the HVAC system. Ultimately, this means you will be paying more every month to keep your home comfortable. This article explains two ways to increase the efficiency of your windows.

Window Films

Window films can be very effective when it comes to reducing heat loss through glass. Not all window films are tinted. In fact, tinted films are unnecessary and should be avoided on windows that don't receive direct sunlight. Tinted film will block out the sun's rays and reduce the heating heat transfer through the glass. So, they are effective in sunny rooms, but they aren't more protective that clear film in rooms that don't receive direct sunlight.

Clear films can also be very helpful on any window. A clear film will increase the insulation of the glass and reduce the rate of heat transfer. One of the best things about window films that they are very easy to self apply. A company that offers home design consultation services can help you decide which windows need tinted frames and which need clear ones.

Weatherstripping

Adding weatherstripping to the movable windows throughout your home is another great way to make them more efficient. If your windows have old weatherstripping, you should check them because it can wear down and become less effective overtime. Usually, felt or rubber weatherstripping is very easy to apply. It has an adhesive back, so you basically just apply it like a sticker. If you already have weatherstripping along your frame, you need to remove it as well as possible before moving ahead. This can be a little difficult, especially when it comes to working on wooden windows. You don't want to scrape off the paint finish and compromise the wood. At first, after you apply the new weatherstripping, it might be a little more difficult to open and close the windows. However, the stripping will become more flat so it will be easier to operate.

With new weatherstripping on all your movable fixtures, and window film on your most exposed glass panes, you can definitely increase the overall efficiency of your home. This is simple work that can be done for less than $50, but it could save you much more than that in the long run.