About half the rise in your power consumption is probably caused by inefficient windows. If you haven’t added any power guzzling appliances into your home, then this is most certainly the case. Check all your windows for damage or wear that might be leaking heat and cool in and out of your home. Then find out whether they can still be fixed or window replacement should be in order. Here are a few tips on how to make existing windows more energy efficient.
Find and Seal All Gaps and Fissures
It’s not always easy to tell if your windows are the cause of the sudden surge in your energy consumption simply because the gaps that are most likely letting air in and out of your home are almost invisible. To find these gaps, try to shine a flashlight around each window and see which area the light passes through. Of course, you need someone on the other side to detect light leaks.
Replace the Frames
Sometimes, even if there’s no gap around any of your windows, you can still feel the frame going cold during the night or warm during the day. This means the frame itself is not insulated enough. Replace it with an energy-efficient frame as soon as you can. You have several choices, including aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass.
Replace the Glass Panes
Old, conventional windows come with thin glass panes, which cannot block heat or cool. If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency but can’t afford a complete window replacement, consider replacing just the glass panes with double-glazed ones. These are thicker and with argon gas in between that improves its reflectivity and resistance to UV rays.
Tint the Glass Panes
If you don’t want to replace the glass panes to make your windows more energy efficient, consider installing window tinting instead. This adds a protective layer to the surface of your windows, which helps reduce the heat that puts more pressure on your HVAC system. It helps reduce the glare, too, so you can keep the blinds rolled up and the lights shut off throughout the day. This can significantly pull down your power reading in the long haul.
Of course, the best advice on how to make windows energy efficient is to replace the old, crumbling ones. A leading window installation company in Chicago like Muller Exteriors can guide you to the best options available.
