Gaps around your windows let cool and hot air out and outside air in, and that costs you money. To seal your window casings, apply a steady bead of silicone caulking to the joints between your window trims (casings) and the wall. While clear caulk works best on painted or stained trim, white caulk blends in well with white windows. Also, this is not the place to scrimp on price. Purchase a higher quality caulk that is guaranteed to last several years and reduce your redundant work.
2. Weather strip your windows.
You hopefully already have high-quality, energy-efficient window casements, and you should still be weather stripping them. Use a self-adhesive rubber compression strip or insulation foam on the outside the windows for a tight seal.
3. Lock your windows.
Whether or not security is a concern, locking your windows can save a lot of energy. Locking a casement window will pull the seal tight against the window frame and subsequently reduce drafts, while locking a double-hung window pulls them closer together. If the latch is very tight and difficult to move, you may need to put pressure on the window sections in opposite directions to allow necessary latch movement.
4. Layer your window treatments.
Just as layers can help keep us warm or cool in the winter and summer months, layered window treatments can help trap hot or cold air. Try shades or blinds covered by sheer curtains or heavy drapes to keep the air around your windows trapped.
5. Replace your single-paned windows.
Yes, new windows are expensive, but not as expensive as the cost of heating a home with single-paned windows. Modern and contemporary triple-pane windows are super efficient and retain 75 percent more heat than their single-pane counterparts. If you think you can't afford to replace your windows, consider the possibility instead that you can't afford not to.
6. Seal or paint your wood doors.
If all the edges of your wood doors aren't finished, the wood will continue to expand and contract as the weather cools and heats. To prevent cracks and expansion, seal or paint all the edges of a door (including the bottom). You can also use a high-quality, outdoor wood sealant that both looks attractive and prevents damage over time.
7. Use a door sweep to block drafts.
Without a door sweep in place, cold air can easily blow in beneath a door. You can buy pre-made, rubber door sweeps that can be tacked or taped in place, or you can make your own door cozy by stuffing a long, fabric snake with sand and insulation and laying it below the door. Even in a limited income scenario, you can at least place rags from old shirts at the base of the door - especially doors that are seldom used - to help with insulation.
Today's windows and doors come in countless styles that will fit any budget. Remember decades ago when all exterior doors were solid and just downright plain? Long gone are those days! Intricate patterns, color choices and windows in today's doors add beauty and elegance to your home.
Most exterior doors now are made with a dense core, which means they will keep out hot and cold air more efficiently. They are also coated so that they can take a beating from any type of weather and not fade, peel or dull.
When it comes to energy efficiency, we all know the importance of having the proper windows. If yours are old and drafty, money is literally going out the windows. Make a change and add attractive windows to your home. It will add to the value, and to your pocketbook. You will see savings in your utility bills almost immediately.
What should you look for in windows? Of course you want a style that matches the style of your home, and adds to the attractiveness. But you also want to save money, especially with the current economy in the shape it is in. Look for windows that are energy efficient. You can get detailed information from your dealer, so that you can make the best choice for your home.
UV rays also have an impact on your home. They can fade your draperies, carpet and any furniture sitting near the window. There are windows that filter out a huge percentage of UV rays, making it much less harsh on your belongings, while also keeping out the heat. Others contain argon gas between panes to block out hot and cold air.
Many people don't realize the difference that new windows and doors make on the appearance of their home - or how much money they will actually save. You can literally save hundreds of dollars per year on heating and cooling costs. Can you picture your homes appearance changing from average to elegant? This is the effect that adding new windows and doors can have.
Is your Phoenix home in need of an update? Improve the appearance of your home and add to its value at the same time! Energy efficient windows and doors can save you thousands, while adding visual impact to your home. You can make your house look new once again, without disrupting your finances.
Both Stephen Clayton & Gen Wright are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stephen Clayton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Solar Water Heater and Home Management. For information on practical home energy savings ideas, please visit www.energysavingsoptions.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning energy cost cutting measures, such as. Stephen Clayton's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
Gen Wright has sinced written about articles on various topics from Terrier Dogs, Acne Treatment and Lose Weight. Joel McLaughlin Learn more about Read the. Gen Wright's top article generates over 1220000 views. to your Favourites.