Turn Old Windows Into Energy Efficient Windows
By: Victors Home Solutions
Picture a drafty old window in your living room. Each winter, you feel the chilly air coming into your home from its edges, making it a challenge to keep your living room warm. You know it’s time for a change, so you hop onto your nearest device with internet access and get to researching energy efficient windows.
You come across this very article, the one that gives you all the information you need to save on utility bills and have a more comfortable winter experience. For your issue in particular, you decide the best course of action is to apply weatherstripping around the window frame to seal the gaps creating the draft and reduce airflow. Then, you add lightweight thermal curtains that help insulate the window at night.
But what is weatherstripping? What on earth are lightweight thermal curtains? How can the average Joe be expected to know what those are? The good news is, they aren’t. Read on to see the top 10 ways you can make your old windows more energy efficient. Check out our in-depth comprehensive energy efficient windows blueprint for additional information.
Top 10 Ways Old Windows Become More Energy Efficient
Storm Windows
What are storm windows?
Installed over existing windows, storm windows provide many benefits for your home. These can include energy savings through temperature control which lowers heating and cooling costs. If they are Energy Star certified, these savings can be up to $350 per year! Other benefits include comfort, noise reduction, and weather protection.
Install Window Inserts
What are window inserts and should you install them?
Window inserts are replacement windows that are installed within the window frame of an existing window. They are also known as frame-in-frame replacements, or pocket windows.
When installing window inserts, existing siding and trim are not disturbed. This, in most cases, is a very quick and painless installation process. Under many circumstances, an insert window is a great option when you’re happy with the size, shape, and operating style of your existing window. Just make sure your frame is square, level, and has no water damage.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when you get window inserts, you will not be able to open your window. The good news is that window inserts are generally easily removable and if you want to open your window, you can do it very easily.
These can improve the energy efficiency of historic wood windows without the cost of replacing them.
Hang Thermal Curtains
What are thermal curtains?
Thermal curtains are fabric panels that are hung on curtain rods and are designed to insulate windows. They’re made of thick insulating material that is sandwiched between two different sheets or layers of fabric. One layer faces the window, while the other layer faces the interior of the home. This is usually a high-density foam that helps to reduce the amount of thermal energy that is exchanged. The way to tell if curtains are thermal comes down to the thickness of the material used in them. You won’t need to replace your windows with this option.
Use Cellular Shades
What are cellular shades?
Cellular shades are also known to many as honeycomb shades. This is because the internals of the shades themselves are shaped like honeycombs. They are a popular window treatment made of fabric cells that grow and shrink upon opening. They provide great insulation, better lighting adjustment, and look great!
Install Exterior Blinds
What are exterior blinds?
These can be made from materials like wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl, and are more effective than interior blinds at preventing heat from escaping. They are designed to be used outdoors and the flexibility in materials is often for the durability of the product itself. The product needs to withstand the weather in different climates! These types of blinds can be installed on porches, verandas, windows, balconies, and deck posts.
Use Solar Control Film
What is solar control film?
Solar control film goes by several names. It’s a transparent thin film that can be put on screens and windows. It works by reducing the amount of solar energy and sunlight that come into your home. Solar control film is usually made from PET, which is short for polyethene terephthalate. The thin layers of metals contained within the film are what make this film work.
Seal Air Leaks
Why should air leaks be sealed?
Sealing air leaks is another way to make your old windows more energy efficient. Windows might have undiagnosed air leaks, causing an increase in utility bills, pests in the house, or a whole slew of other issues. Sealing an air leak is important and can be done in a multitude of ways including caulking, weatherstripping, spray foam, and others.
Install Awnings
Why should awnings be installed over windows?
People often wonder why you should install awnings on windows. The answer is simple. Awnings on windows provide many benefits such as energy savings, UV protection, cold draft protection, and home aesthetics. They shield your old windows in this case from the elements, reducing the risk of water damage to them. There was a time when window awnings were out-of-style but now they are back in, especially with their new functionality and design specifications.
Add Secondary Glazing
What is secondary glazing?
Secondary glazing is the process of installing a second pane of glass behind an existing window to improve insulation, reduce heat transfer, and outside noise. This can add an extra layer of insulation to your windows to reduce heat loss.
Get a Free 21-Point Window Inspection
What is a window inspection?
Window inspections are critical for knowing how functional your windows are for your home from both a safety and cost-savings perspective. All the work is done for you, determining whether there are any drafty windows or just for peace of mind. An expert will be able to determine what is needed to get your home up-to-snuff. They will likely look for signs of water damage, cracking, wear, tear, and material degradation.
If you are looking for a professional window inspection, look no further than Victors Home Solutions. With our industry-renowned free 21-point window inspection, we will give you all of the information you need to proceed in the right direction!