With summer winding down and fall and winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting your home ready for cooler temperatures. While heat loss can occur from bad insulation, through an attic or roof, and other areas, windows are a leading source of heat loss in the winter. It’s a good idea to have them checked out and maintained before going into the cold seasons. Here are a few tips for getting your windows ready for fall.
1) Checking the Window Seals
One of the first steps to ensuring your windows are ready for cooler temps is to check for drafts and air leaks around your windows. Silicon seals can break down over time, so if you feel a draft near a window it may be time to have them sealed and caulked. You can DIY or higher a company to do it for you.
2) Window Cleaning Service
When you’re checking all of your windows anyway, it’s a great time to clean them up before fall. You may not have time or proper weather to do it later, so grab a roll of paper towels or micro fiber rag and some window solution and clean them up. If you don’t have time or have some hard to reach windows, consider hiring a company like Agent Clean to do a window cleaning service on your home or business.
3) Insulating Windows
One of the best ways to reduce heat escaping from windows is to insulate them. Installing multi-pane windows with insulation is the best, but if you do not have high efficiency windows you can follow a few steps to insulate your old windows.
One common method is to use a plastic film insulation. This insulation creates an air buffer between your interior and your window. Air actually makes a fantastic insulation buffer. These inexpensive window covers are easy to install and work very efficiently. Additionally, you can buy insulating blinds or curtains that provide a level of insulation by being heavy enough to prevent air escaping through the window.
4) Damaged Windows
During the course of insulating and cleaning your windows, you might discover some moderate to severe damage, either in the silicon lining, the window sill or frame, or the glass itself. If you do discover damaged windows, it might be a good idea to higher a company to replace the entire window and frame if necessary.
Drafty windows are a major culprit to energy efficiency in the winter. But a little elbow grease and some proper insulation will help you save energy and money over the fall and winter seasons.