Winter brings with it cold winds, wet weather, and expensive heating bills. While there is no way to rush winter out of the door, there are ways to winterize your home and keep your family toasty while saving on energy bills. The first place to start is by checking your windows.
If you are not using energy-efficient windows, the fall and winter months are the perfect time to upgrade. Aside from that, we have several tips that will help you to reduce or prevent heat loss from your windows and save money on energy bills at the same time.
How To Reduce Heat Loss From Windows
Types of Heating
Most homes are heated through central heating systems. However, some of those are also warmed via radiant heat. Both methods effectively heat the home and help those inside to stay warm and comfortable.
Radiant heat is generated closer to the ground and works its way up, while a central heating system pushes warmed air through vents. If your home is leaking hot air, it can put pressure on your heating system and increase your energy cost.
Identifying Heat Loss
There are a few ways your home may be losing heat in the winter. Heat loss can occur through the walls, floors, windows, or even the roof. The more heat that escapes, the more energy your system will have to use to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Identify where your home is losing most of its heat and make adjustments to compensate. In this post, we will discuss window heat loss and how to prevent heat from escaping your home.
Harness The Sunlight
The sun is the strongest generator of heat that exists. The sun helps plants to grow and can also help heat your home. During the day, even in the winter, make sure that you have your curtains and blinds open to allow the sun into your home. Not only will this help keep your home lit, but it will also trap natural heat.
As the sun begins to set each day, close your curtains or blinds to retain the heat gathered throughout the day. This will help reduce the overall pressure on your heating system and help minimize heat loss through the windows.
Note: The lower the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) on your windows, the less solar heat it will transmit.
Upgrade Your Curtains
The simplest method of reducing heat loss through your windows is by upgrading their coverings. If you are using sheer curtains, or only blinds, consider switching to heavier panels for the winter season.
Thick curtains or curtains with thermal linings will help block the cold from your windows. They will also keep the warm air inside your home from escaping.
Close Rooms That Are Not In Use
The more space there is to heat, the more money you will spend on heating bills. In addition to cost, heating every room in a home can put a serious strain on your heating system. One way to reduce heat loss is by closing off rooms in your home that you don’t use.
Tape over the edges of the window frames to prevent air from escaping or getting in, and then cover them with heavy blinds.
Keep vents in unoccupied rooms closed. Heat will be redirected to rooms that are used more often. Also, keep the doors to those rooms closed as well, or all of your efforts will be for naught.
Install Double Paned Windows
Double-paned windows are an effective way to keep your home cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. Two panes of glass are better than a single pane of glass. They insulate the interior against both heat loss and the incursion of cold air from the outside.
Many localities also offer tax breaks for installing energy-efficient windows such as the double-paned variety.
Glazed Windows
As a physical barrier, window glazing or double glazing contributes to energy saving. Glazing insulates the window and helps to maintain a constant temperature between the inside and outside.
It does come with a few downsides. It is not a good match for older homes and it can not be repaired.
Check Your Home For Drafts
If you don’t have the budget or the time to replace all of your windows, check for drafts and replace those that lose the most heat. To check your home doors and windows for drafts, hold a candle near the door or window. If the candle flickers, that means there is a draft coming from the opening.
Drafts are the main causes of heat loss in a home, and the majority originate from inefficient windows. Consider resealing these windows and doors to ensure they are airtight. We hope our tips enable you to lower your utility bills and reclaim lost heat that has been seeping out through your windows all winter.
Discount Window and Door of Omaha
At Discount Window and Door of Omaha, we are committed to providing the best quality doors and replacement windows. We employ the most skilled installers to ensure the highest standard of quality service. Our Omaha door and window installers are highly trained, certified industry professionals with years of experience, including some second and third-generation employees.