Winterize Those Windows & Save Big

Posted by Michael Tobias on December 20th, 2019

For most people, energy bills escalate during the winter months. The fact is winter heating expenses are often the biggest energy bill most people pay. According to the US Department of Energy, 25%-30% of the money you spend for your heating costs is going right out the window. Literally. Old drafty windows account for the biggest heat loss in a home

While replacing all the old windows in your home may be the ideal solution, it may not be an option for many families due to financial hardship. However, there are some DIY (Do It Yourself) window winterization projects to help increase your home’s energy efficiency and save money.

HOW TO LOCATE LEAKS?

The most accurate way to find your energy wasters in your home is to have a home energy audit. An energy audit identifies the home's energy efficiency performance and identifies deficiencies then recommends remedies to fix the problem areas. While energy audits are excellent ways to find deficiencies, however, they are often expensive.

So if you can’t afford an energy audit, here are some DIY tips to locate leaks and drafts. One effective way is a cold, windy day go into each room of your house and feel for drafts around your windows. Take note of which windows seem to lose the most heat to ensure you fix the biggest problem areas first. Another option is to purchase a temperature sensor and use it to check around the window for cold spots.

UPDATING EXISTING WINDOWS

After determining the leaky areas, taking steps to improve the efficiency are cost-effective that will improve the indoor comfort and save money on energy cost. Here are several DIY ways to increase efficiency - 

• Check the Window Glass - Check each glass panel within your windows. If you find a broken pane, replace it for safety and energy efficiency purposes.

• Add Caulk - Caulk is an inexpensive but effective way to solve window air leaks. Polyurethane caulk is best for caulking around windows, doors and even siding because it does not shrink and can be painted. Plus, it sticks better without attracting dust and dirt as regular caulk. Caulk works best on stationary objects.

• Add Weatherstrip - Weatherstripping is the process of sealing around the opening of moving objects, examples - doors and windows to keep the interior in and prevent costly leaks.

• Add Insulation - Batt insulation or spray foam insulation is a great way to stop air leaking around windows. The only drawback is that you will need access to the area behind the window trim. It’s important to know that if you use batt insulation, do not overstuff the area - batt insulation works the best when still fluffy and gently inserted.  If you choose spray foam, opt for the kind made for windows.

• Window Insulator Kits - Window insulator kits are easy to install, budget friendly, and effective for keeping drafts at bay. The film works for months and lets the natural sunlight in with is an eco-friendly way to warm the window producing natural heat which reduces the workload of your heating systems. 

• Storm Windows - If your windows came with storms, install them for energy efficiency.

• Add Window Treatment - A reusable solution to blocking drafts is thermal window treatments. Year after year hang these heavy, thermally-lined drapes as close to the windows for maximum efficiency.

CONCLUSION

If it is time to update your existing windows, for maximum energy savings when purchasing new windows, look for ones that have a low air leakage rating - means they have a tight window seal. 

By using a few of these tips can bring big change into your energy budget and family’s comfort.

AUTHOR’S BIO

Michael Tobias, PE, is the principal and founder of Chicago Engineers. He leads a team of over 30 mechanical, electrical, and fire protection engineers. Although Chicago Engineers main headquarters are in NYC and Chicago the business has led over 1,000 engineering projects in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, and California, as well as Malaysia and Singapore. Michael is an advocate for green technology and energy efficiency.