As temperatures drop outside, it’s time to winterize your home and prepare for chilly winter months. One of the most important steps is to insulate your house and not overlook the windows. Drafty windows allow warm air to escape and cold air to infiltrate your living spaces, causing energy waste and higher heating bills. Here are four easy ways to better insulate your windows, keeping your home warm and cozy all season.
How to Insulate Your Home’s Windows
1. Use Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is an inexpensive, effective, and easy-to-install way to seal gaps or cracks around your windows. It comes in different styles, including vinyl, foam, and felt. Weatherstripping acts as a barrier, keeping the chilly air outside and making sure the warm air stays inside. Choose the right size of weatherstripping to fit your window frame, and remove the old material before applying the new product.
2. Apply Window Film
Window film is another low-cost option to insulate windows. It’s easy to install and can reduce heating costs by up to 50%. Depending on your needs, you can choose a transparent film that won’t block sunlight or a tinted product that reduces glare. Window film acts as a layer of insulation to trap the heat in your home and keep out the cold air.
3. Install Insulated Curtains to Insulate the Windows
Heavy curtains made from thick fabric like velvet or wool will help insulate your windows. Shop for curtains with an insulating panel. Layer curtains with cellular window blinds to further boost warmth. Window treatments help block cold drafts from your living spaces. Open the curtains during the day to let the sun warm your home, and close them at night to trap heat inside the house.
4. Replacement Windows
If your current windows are outdated or inefficient, replacing them with new, energy-efficient ones can lower your monthly heating bill. New windows are available with different glass options, frames, and weather stripping to boost energy savings. While this option may be more costly upfront, it will save you money in the long term and add value to your home.
Winter utility bills can be costly, but reducing energy use helps you save money while staying comfortable. Properly insulating your home’s windows is an easy and effective way to keep your living spaces warm and cozy while reducing the heating bills. These tips and tricks will help block drafts so you can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home this winter.
Five Stars Home Inspection offers professional home inspections to customers in the Greater Boston area. Contact us to request our services.