While windows add aesthetic beauty to your home, they could be dragging down your heating efforts each month. Windows alone can account for 10 to 15 percent of your heating bill each month, letting go of about 25 percent of your home’s heat.
Protect your budget this winter by fighting back with these three simple ways to winterize your windows.
Seal your windows
Resealing air leaks is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to conserve home heat. Find out if there are any air leaks in your windows by checking for movement in and around the window pane, or, see if there are rays of sunlight slipping in around the frame.
From there, reseal any cracks, gaps or holes with caulk, which is best used between immovable components. Between movable pieces in doors and windows, opt for weatherstripping. Both caulk and weatherstripping can easily be found at your local home improvement store.
Adjust your thermostat
Save on energy by setting your thermostat as low as is comfortable during the day. Reduce the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees at night and when you leave your home to lower your bill even more.
Avoid the hassle of remembering to adjust the temperature by opting for a programmable thermostat.
Open your curtains, blinds or shutters during the day so sunlight can heat your home naturally, allowing you to stretch each energy dollar. Close your window coverings at night to reduce any chill from colder temperatures.
Select energy efficient coverings
With the right window treatments and coverings, you can conserve your home’s heat and minimize energy costs. Don’t forget to consider the daily function of each room, the aesthetic you want and potential savings when choosing the right window treatment.
Shades are a simple, effective way to save heat, energy and hard-earned pennies. Shades mount close to the glass and stretch to each side, creating an insulated barrier between the room and window pane.
Properly installed shades can increase the room’s median temperature by about 5 degrees at night.
Roller, Honeycomb, Solar and Roman shades work best to insulate windows with a tight air barrier that controls and conserves heat.
Shutters provide one of the best window insulation systems as well as weather protection and additional security. They are placed tightly against the window’s exterior frame, insulating the space between the shutter and pane.
Shutters from Dannenmueller provide more than design – they provide privacy, light control options, and increase the value of your home.
Contact Dannenmueller for window treatments to meet any specific need and help reduce high heating bills this winter.
Give us a call today at (270) 441-2305. Also, make sure to like us on Facebook! We’d love to be a part of your next home renovation project!
Contact Steve Dannenmueller, the Authority on Shutters, Blinds, & Closets.
