Tag: winter

How to Insulate Windows to Conserve Heat

We know you love staying indoors on a chilly day, just enjoying your personal time reading a book or catching up on your favorite TV show. However, an environment that is too cold is unpleasant. The last thing you want to do is wear layers of clothing at home.

A large portion of heat loss is due to windows, but they’re also an important part of your home because they keep the house cross-ventilated. The best thing to do is insulate them to prevent cold air from entering and still appreciate your “me time” indoors. Continue reading to learn tips on how you can start insulating your windows to conserve heat.

Use Curtains to Keep Heat In

Curtains are one the cheapest ways to insulate windows. Before modern insulation solutions arrived on the market, curtains have helped households restrict cold air from entering their homes. You can use curtains made of heavy fabric or an insulated window curtain. These types prevent heated air from escaping your home by creating a tighter air space for cold air to seep through.

You can hang more than two curtains together to create a sleek layered look that effectively keeps heat in. You can also use blackout curtains that reduce heat loss through the window by a fourth. As a bonus, they also reduce noise pollution by almost half.

Try Weather Strips to Control the Temperature

Weather strips are also a great way to insulate your windows because they seal gaps around them, making your home warmer. There are various types of weather strips, such as foam and V-type. This is the difference between them:

  • Foam Weather Strip or Foam Tape

The foam weather strip or foam tape comes in different sizes, which makes it ideal for irregular-sized cracks. It has an adhesive backing on one side and is commonly used for the top and bottom parts of window sashes. The foam strip is also the easiest weather strip to install.

  • V-Type Strip or Tension Seal

The V strip or tension seal is made of durable plastic or metal folded into a ‘V’ shape that springs open to bridge gaps. It is commonly used for sealing the sides of sliding windows and double-hung windows. It is also easy to use because you just have to cut to the desired length with a pair of scissors, peel, and then stick it to your window.

Apply Insulation Films to Your Windows

Another way to insulate your window is by using an insulation film, which is an item that looks like a food wrap. It creates a barrier between the interior of your home and your windows. These films can be bought from hardware or home repair stores.

Window insulation films are cheap but highly effective in conserving heat at home. They come in kits that include a plastic shrink film that is applied to the indoor window frame using double-sided sticky tape. You can use a heat source, such as a hair dryer, to shrink it and remove wrinkles.

Purchase Insulated Windows

Instead of using insulation products, you can also purchase insulated windows for greater temperature control that prevents cold air from entering your home. Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI is a locally owned business that offers high-quality insulated products from top manufacturers. We carry insulated windows and doors from Owens Corning, Knauf Insulation, Insulation Materials, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate.

3 Ways to Winterize Your Home and Save on Energy Cost

It’s that time of year again: cozy evenings spent by the fire, hot apple cider, holiday cheer and… higher heating bills? Not necessarily!

With colder temperatures just around the corner, now is the time to take steps to lower your energy costs. Fortunately, winterizing your home doesn’t have to be difficult or costly.

Here are three ways to prepare your home for winter before the snow and sleet hit.

  1. Stop the Drafts

Though they may not be visible, holes, cracks or seams in your home’s walls, windows and doors allow cold air to sneak in and warm air to escape… so you need to seal them. Start by walking your home’s exterior and looking for gaps around windows and doors. Don’t forget to check hose faucets and where siding meets the foundation. Use expanding foam sealant or acrylic-latex caulk to fill the gaps.

Next, inspect the weather stripping. Close a piece of paper between the window or door and the frame. If you can pull the paper out, it’s time to replace the stripping. Self-adhesive stripping — available at hardware and home improvement stores — offers an easy DIY fix.

Now seek out drafts inside your home. Choose a cold day and stand near doors, windows and electrical outlets. If you feel air movement or notice cooler temperatures in certain areas, fill gaps with caulk and insulate outlet covers with foam gaskets.

You can use a lighted stick of incense to find drafts. Simply hold the incense near windows and doors and watch how the smoke moves. If it streams away, you’ve found a crack.

Finally, place draft guards underneath doors to prevent drafts and heat loss. You can purchase pre-made guards or simply roll up a towel.

  1. Optimize Your HVAC

Your furnace works hard to keep you warm, so give it some TLC to keep it running smoothly. If it’s been a while since you checked the filter, now is a great time to replace it.

Dirty filters obstruct air flow, which makes your furnace work harder and run for longer periods to heat your home. Not only does replacing the filter on a regular schedule — generally, every one or two months — help lower your heating bills, it can keep your furnace purring along for longer.

Reduce energy costs by turning the thermostat down to 68 degrees while you’re awake and lowering it when you’re sleeping or out of the house. According to the U.S.. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by seven to 10 degrees for eight hours each day will reduce annual utility costs by up to 10 percent. A “smart” or programmable thermostat makes it even easier to increase efficiency.

  1. Shore Up Your Windows

We’ve already talked about sealing window frames with caulk and installing new weather stripping. But on the coldest days, your windows will still let in the chill.

One easy fix? Seasonal insulated curtains that keep cold air out and warm air in. Just remember to keep the drapes closed when sun isn’t shining directly on the windows. For a more permanent solution, install insulated blinds.

You may also install window insulation film. While it may not be pretty, it’ll help reduce heat loss by up to 70 percent.

 

Don’t forget to a peak in the attic to see how much insulation is in the space. A minimum of 12″ is recommended. Blown in insulation is a very easy and economical solution to heat loss through the roof!

Don’t let chilly temperatures leave you in the cold! These winterization tips will keep your home toasty and help you save on energy costs this winter.