The brunt of winter is upon us, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing throughout the North Carolina area. Even those who enjoy the cold weather are met with the unpleasant reality of a higher utility bill during the winter months. It can cost a lot to keep your house at a comfortable temperature as the winter winds whip outside. One easy and affordable way to help keep your home cozy this winter is to update and insulate your windows. Below are a few steps you can take to ensure warm windows this winter. This can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and result in lower heating bills.
1. Look into replacement windows
Maybe the best way to improve insulation and keep your home warm this winter is to replace outdated windows with modern, energy-efficient windows. Replacement windows feature the newest technology to achieve the best possible insulation, from nearly-airtight frames to coated glass. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners in the South Atlantic who upgrade from single-paned windows to new ENERGY STAR windows can expect upwards of $500 in annual savings on their utility bills. Of course, new windows might not fit into your budget for 2018, despite how affordable they can be. In that case, there are some other tips you can follow to make your windows warmer during the winter.
2. Seal up any gaps
Older windows can be drafty, so take steps to seal off any areas where cold air can sneak into your home. It’s helpful to re-caulk the exteriors of your windows each year. You can also use weatherstripping and foam insulation to shore up any gaps. These are easy do-it-yourself fixes, and there are a number of tutorial videos available online to help you weatherproof your windows. If you feel like you can’t handle these tasks yourself or you give it a try but find yourself over your head you can always contact a reliable contractor or window expert to help you beef up your windows for the winter months.
3. Use curtains to your advantage
Throughout the day while the sun is shining, open the curtains on your windows to allow sunlight to enter and warm your home. The sun is an excellent (and free!) source of heat. Once the sun goes down, be sure to close your curtains to help block out the icy cold drafts that can enter your house through an inefficient window. The thicker the curtains, the better. You can even buy special warm window fabric that’s insulated to help keep cold temperatures at bay.
4. Apply a window film
Window insulation film is an easy and inexpensive way to bolster your windows with an added barrier between the interior of your home and the frigid air outside. Window film is like shrink-wrap for your windows. Apply the transparent film for the winter and remove it once warmer weather arrives.
5. Contact Kingsford Windows
No matter what your home improvement needs are, don’t hesitate to contact the window replacement experts at Kingsford Windows! We’re happy to take a look at your windows, suggest a plan of action, and provide an estimate to ensure your home has the best possible windows for your budget – not just this winter, but any time of year.