Can You Make Old Windows More Energy Efficient?
There are all kinds of products on the market designed to make old windows more energy efficient. How effective they are is likely to vary based on factors such as where your house is located, which direction it faces, how many windows it has, and what kind of condition your existing windows are in, to name a few. If you’re looking for a dramatic increase in energy efficiency, having new windows installed will be far and away the most effective method. However, we realize that not everybody is ready to undertake a window replacement project. For those of you who fall into this category, some things you can do to try to make your old windows more energy efficient include:
Sealing Up Gaps With Caulk
If there are visible gaps between your window sashes and frames, or between the frames and the wall, sealing them up with caulk will help to reduce air infiltration. Even if you don’t see any gaps, but you feel air flowing when you run your hand along the frame, applying a fresh bead of caulk can help make sure your windows are sealed.
Applying a Window Film
You can buy energy-efficient window films that you stick onto the glass. This film provides an additional layer that can reduce the effects of conduction and convection, thereby making your windows more energy efficient. While these films often don’t do much to keep your home warmer in the winter, they do help to block out the sun, which can prevent your home from heating up on hot, sunny days.
Investing in New or Better Window Treatments
While it doesn’t include doing anything to the windows themselves, installing certain window treatments—such as heavy black-out curtains or shades that sit snugly against your windows—can help reduce heat transfer into and out of your home, thereby improving its overall energy efficiency.
Call in the Professionals at American Home Design
If none of these quick-fixes works to make your hold windows more energy-efficient, the window replacement professionals at American Home Design are just a phone call away. Or, you can fill out the form at the bottom of this page and one of our team members will be in touch with you shortly.
