Make Windows More Energy Efficient
energy efficient replacement windows
Many people in the Baltimore area find themselves in homes where they would love energy efficient replacement windows. For them the loss of money in higher energy bills can lead to many a sleepless night. Windows that let heat escape in the winter and cold in in the Summer can cost a homeowner hundreds if not thousands a year in heating and cooling bills.
So what should a worried homeowner do when he cannot afford to replace his windows? Well, there are options to help those windows become more energy efficient. There are a number of traditional ways to make those windows perform better in different climates. Here, the traditional ways will be discussed. Variations on these traditional methods will also be discussed. The methods include using heat reflective film, using plastic film and filling in cracks with calk or putty.
Heat Reflective Film
When an air conditioner is just not cooling chances are the windows are to blame. There are a couple of things one can do about it. The first thing that can be done is to hang thick curtains. This, however, creates a darkened room which is not so appealing. To avoid this, one can hang heat reflective film. It is not very expensive. It comes in different colors. It blocks the sunlight.
Many people do not want to commit to reflective film. This is especially true in a climate like Baltimore where winters come with many cloudy days. A solution is to build a frame the size of the window and install plexi glass on one side of it. Then install the heat reflective film onto that. This way, it can be removed anytime.
Plastic film
Many home improvement stores sell kits for installing a plastic film across the window. It can be installed using double-sided tape around the window. The plastic is placed on the double-sided tape and made as taught as possible. Once installed, a hair dryer is used to make the film even more taught.
Once it is finished the homeowner has a window that is perfectly sealed. Very little cold air gets in in the winter. This comes with its drawbacks though. Many people like to open their windows on nicer days. This method prevents that.
A solution to this is similar to the one mentioned earlier. A frame the size of the window can be built and the film can be installed on that. In this case, plexi glass does not have to be installed. The plastic film should seal the window without it. Once again, this option gives the homeowner freedom to remove it anytime he wants.
Calk Around the Windows
Over time, windows loosen and frames deteriorate. So taking time to use some calk around the windows will not only seal them but eliminate drafts in the winter. This will make the homeowner very happy when he sees a reduction in his heating bill.
Putty can also be used. The best way to use putty is to put it on ones hands when applying it. This will ensure that it gets in everywhere and will do it better that using a putty knife.
A homeowner does not have to sit there with his arms crossed and feel helpless when his energy bills are high and he can’t afford replacement windows. There are many options for him. He can choose to prevent heat from getting in. He can use plastic film to seal his windows. He can also calk around his windows to seal them.
So what should a worried homeowner do when he cannot afford to replace his windows? Well, there are options to help those windows become more energy efficient. There are a number of traditional ways to make those windows perform better in different climates. Here, the traditional ways will be discussed. Variations on these traditional methods will also be discussed. The methods include using heat reflective film, using plastic film and filling in cracks with calk or putty.
Heat Reflective Film
When an air conditioner is just not cooling chances are the windows are to blame. There are a couple of things one can do about it. The first thing that can be done is to hang thick curtains. This, however, creates a darkened room which is not so appealing. To avoid this, one can hang heat reflective film. It is not very expensive. It comes in different colors. It blocks the sunlight.
Many people do not want to commit to reflective film. This is especially true in a climate like Baltimore where winters come with many cloudy days. A solution is to build a frame the size of the window and install plexi glass on one side of it. Then install the heat reflective film onto that. This way, it can be removed anytime.
Plastic film
Many home improvement stores sell kits for installing a plastic film across the window. It can be installed using double-sided tape around the window. The plastic is placed on the double-sided tape and made as taught as possible. Once installed, a hair dryer is used to make the film even more taught.
Once it is finished the homeowner has a window that is perfectly sealed. Very little cold air gets in in the winter. This comes with its drawbacks though. Many people like to open their windows on nicer days. This method prevents that.
A solution to this is similar to the one mentioned earlier. A frame the size of the window can be built and the film can be installed on that. In this case, plexi glass does not have to be installed. The plastic film should seal the window without it. Once again, this option gives the homeowner freedom to remove it anytime he wants.
Calk Around the Windows
Over time, windows loosen and frames deteriorate. So taking time to use some calk around the windows will not only seal them but eliminate drafts in the winter. This will make the homeowner very happy when he sees a reduction in his heating bill.
Putty can also be used. The best way to use putty is to put it on ones hands when applying it. This will ensure that it gets in everywhere and will do it better that using a putty knife.
A homeowner does not have to sit there with his arms crossed and feel helpless when his energy bills are high and he can’t afford replacement windows. There are many options for him. He can choose to prevent heat from getting in. He can use plastic film to seal his windows. He can also calk around his windows to seal them.