The amount of insulation your windows provide your home with is even more important than how they look. If your windows aren’t functioning properly, you’ll likely notice high energy bills in both the summer and the winter as your HVAC system works overtime trying to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Whether you’re trying to keep the heat or the cold out, there are ways you can insulate your windows to ensure that your home stays at a more comfortable temperature all year round.
Here are some of our top tips for how you can insulate your windows, in the summer, the winter, and year-round. Let’s get into it!
#1. Weatherstripping
Your weatherstripping is what can seal gaps around your windows and prevent exterior air from getting in. In the summer, weatherstripping keeps the cool, air-conditioned air in and the heat out, while in the winter, it helps to ensure that your home stays toasty and cozy and that the cold stays out with the snow. There are several different types of weatherstripping available, from felt to vinyl and more.
If you’re someone who likes to open your windows and let the fresh air in, you’ll want to opt for a type of weatherstripping that seals any gaps to properly insulate your windows, but that still allows you to open your windows if you desire.
#2. Insulating Window Treatments
There are several different types of window treatments that can help insulate your windows. Many people like to use window treatments to insulate their windows because they’re both effective and are a way to style your windows and decorate your home. If you opt for insulating curtains, these can insulate your windows when closed, and then let the sun in when you open them up.
Some other window treatments that you could use are cellular shades, insulated shutters, blackout blinds, and more. Window treatments can improve the insulation of your windows as well as add style to your home. Plus, they are adjustable, so if you ever want to switch out your blackout curtains for something light and gauzy, it’s easy to do so.
#3. Caulking
Caulking is similar to weatherstripping, but it is not good for movable parts. If you have movable parts and you want to open your windows, you’ll want to use weatherstripping for these areas. Caulking works similarly in that it also seals gaps around your windows. Caulk is an easy way to insulate your windows because it’s easy to apply.
There are different types of caulk that are better suited to different types of surfaces. Depending on the types of windows that you have, you will want to choose the type of caulk designed for them in order to ensure that it can help to insulate your windows.
#4. Window Film
Window film is another way to insulate your windows. In the winter, window film helps your home maintain a comfortable temperature while in the summer it can reduce excess heat. Window film allows you to still enjoy the sunlight without having to worry about high energy costs. In addition to insulating your home, window film can also protect your privacy, prevent sun damage, and increase the durability of your windows.
Some people don’t like the way that window film looks, and it could potentially cause issues with your neighbors if it is highly reflective and shines the light onto them. However, it can help insulate your windows at a lower cost than replacing them.
#5. Switch To Energy Efficient Windows
If your windows are in need of replacement and letting in a lot of drafts, you may decide to switch the energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows are very insulating and can help your home maintain a comfortable temperature all year round. People enjoy energy-efficient windows for how they cut their energy bills down and their improved functionality.
If you’ve been struggling with drafty windows and high energy bills, there are many different ways to insulate your windows beyond what we have listed here. However, if that is the case, the best option for you may be to replace your windows. A window professional can help you determine whether or not you are due for window replacement, as well as provide you with tips for how you can insulate your windows all year round.
Peak Windows provides professional window services throughout Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. If you need replacement windows or another window service, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to help your windows look and function their best all year round.