How to Make Your Windows More Energy Efficient

It’s no secret that our windows are responsible for much of our home’s energy efficiency. They not only control the amount of natural light that comes into your home, but they are also largely responsible for contributing to your interior temperature. Leaks, cracks, or low-grade glass can significantly reduce your window’s efficiency and cost you more money at the end of the year.

Here is how to make your windows more energy efficient:

Rattling

Ever hear the wind rattle through your window panes during heavy winds and extreme storms? If you constantly hear a rattle every time a truck drives by, there’s either a loose glass pane or a loose frame. Neither situations represent a truly efficient window, which is supposed to be completely sealed off from the outside. To fix this problem, weather-strip your windows and replace your wooden (and probably rotten) frames with a durable vinyl material.

Draft

Nothing is creepier than a strong wind whistling through a tiny crack in the window, and nobody wants to be woken up to the nightmarish sound and feel of a draft. In fact, drafty windows do a lot more than scare us; they also change the internal temperature of the home, which can be costly at the end of the year. Drafty windows are caused by leaks in your seal or insufficient weatherstripping. Improve your energy efficiency by replacing your windows or weatherstripping. The upfront costs might be expensive, but you’ll end up saving money in the long run.

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common signs that your windows aren’t efficient. If your windows get foggy or leak water, it’s an obvious sign that there’s a break in the seal somewhere. This generally means that hot or cold air is seeping into the house, making your furnace and/or air conditioner work that much harder. To improve your window’s efficiency, you may want to think about replacing your windows entirely (unless closing your window more tightly does the trick).

Heat 

If you have to keep your curtains drawn throughout the summer months because of the intense heat that burns your skin, your windows may not be coated with modern argonfill. Argonfill, like Cardinal LoEGlass, draws in more light but less heat for truly energy efficient windows.

When it comes to the efficiency of your household’s energy consumption, even the small details, like your window’s weatherstripping, can make a big difference. To save money and make your windows and doors more efficient, contact Window Mart today for a free quote!