Window Tips

Cold Climate Window Tips

Cold-Climate Windows with low-e coating on the glass reflect heat back into the room during the winter months.

• You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame, or tape clear plastic
• film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
• Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel draft after weatherizing.
• Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.
• Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun.
• Install exterior or interior storm windows which can reduce heat lost through the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows should have weather stripping at all moveable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints. Low-e storm windows save even more energy.
• Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary.

Warm-Climate

In The Summertime, the sun shining through your windows heats up the room. Windows with low-e coatings on the glass reflect some of the sunlight, keeping your rooms cooler.

• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
• Close curtains on south- and west- facing windows during the day.
• Install awnings on south and west facing windows.
• Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south facing windows to reduce solar gain.

Checking your home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy  waste and make the most of your energy dollars. A good insulation system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that protect a home from outside hot or cold temperatures, protect it against air leaks, and control moisture. You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks.

Home owners are not the only ones who can benefit from an energy audit .Talk to your landlord about upgrading your home to a more energy-efficient one. You can agree to an increase in rent equivalent to the amount that you save each month on your energy bill, which will allow your landlord to pay off the upgrade quickly while increasing the comfort level and value of the property.