Winter is just about here, and so is the need to have a warm, comfortable space indoors during the cold months ahead. This comes with the stress of tr...
Winter is just about here,
and so is the need to have a warm, comfortable space indoors during the cold months ahead. This comes with the stress of trying to keep the costs of energy bills down. But there are many things homeowners can do to conserve energy, one of which is to install replacement windows. Inefficient windows can account for 40 percent of the heat loss in the home during wintertime.
One way to conserve energy is to choose ENERGY STAR windows which, according to the Department of Energy, can reduce bills by up to 15 percent. The type of window only goes so far in saving energy; factors such as the age and condition of the window are important as well. Another way to ensure that the windows in the home are saving on costs is to look into the type of glass. Some glass is designed to reduce heat loss. State-of-the-art glass products can even block UV rays and, while healthy for the skin, this also protects furniture, carpets, and wall coverings.
An indicator of how well replacement windows keep in heat is their U-Factor, a label devised by the National Fenestration Rating Council. A U-Factor of below .30 is recommended for cold climates, and the lower this rating, the more energy efficient a window is. This serves as a guide to those shopping for windows and looking to save on costs as well, as the economy is still affecting homeowners’ budgets.
To help keep the heat in during winter, it is important to seek out replacement windows with insulating material. Composite materials with insulating characteristics are developed all the time and are something to look for in the specifications of replacement windows. For example, something that is as strong as wood, and offers low-maintenance like vinyl can be not only convenient but comforting as well, as heat or cold will be prevented from going in or out of the home.
Windows are a major player in providing comfort in a home. They can let heat in or let it escape. Certain materials do not protect against the elements as well as others, and cold will find its way in if the whole window isn’t properly sealed. However, there are other things that can help keep the home warm during the winter and help save on heating costs.
One way to do this is to keep curtains and shades closed at night. During the day, open them. Sunlight still has a warming effect despite the cold weather. Windows should be cleaned as well. The ones on the south side of the house are most important, in order to ensure sunlight can provide warmth. It may also help to close curtains on the south and west-facing windows during the day.
It is also important to check structural elements such as the window sash. If this is not sealed tight, cold air can enter the home and undo anything that has been done to make heating the interior energy efficient. Aside from the windows, also check the exterior caulking. Shrunken or peeled caulking can also provide an opportunity for those cold breezes to get inside, so this must be fixed.
Purchasing high-quality, energy-efficient replacement windows is a key step in keeping the home warm during winter, at an affordable price. Inefficient windows can account for almost half of the heat loss in wintertime. The first task should always be to check how well all of the windows are performing.
