5 Ways Windows Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

With the weather heating up, it’s important to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible. While there are many factors in play when it comes to improving your home’s energy efficiency, including insulation and heating/cooling systems, one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency is by investing in new windows. You can reduce cooling and heating costs with the help of a few easy steps.

1. Check your windows to see if they’re in good shape

If you have old, drafty windows, you’re paying more for heat and cooling than you need to. Leaky windows can let in a lot of heat, and a lot of cold air in the winter.If you have windows that leak a lot of air, you may need to replace them. Most people have old windows that they failed to seal properly. This can allow heat and cold from the outside to get into your house, especially if your windows are not properly insulated. If your windows aren’t properly insulated, any little movement (such as the wind) can let in enough cold air to exceed your required heating and cooling requirements. This can be especially problematic in winter. Additionally, if you have a chimney, it may allow air to escape from your home. If you’re in a home with central heating, this can also allow cold air to get outside.

While it may seem daunting to replace your entire home’s windows, there are many options and costs to consider. Mortgages and home improvement loans can help pay for the cost of these expensive windows. But, it’s important to also consider if this is right for you. If you have children or pets in your home, you may want to consider whether a new window will interfere with your ability to keep pets inside. If you have basement or crawl spaces, you may need fresh air flow or trapping systems for the windows. You can even consider installing energy-efficient windows using energy efficient glass or LED lights.

Before you replace your windows, make sure to determine the type of windows you have. The type of window allows you to determine what type of energy-efficient insulation or heating system you will need. A wraparound window can help get more light into your home, while a sunroom window can let in light by shooting a small amount of sunlight into your attic.

2. Replace old windows for better insulation and energy efficiency

Replace old, drafty windows with energy-efficient and insulated windows to cut down on your energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a well-insulated home can save you up to 30% on your heating and cooling costs and reduce your energy use by 15%. You can save on heating and cooling costs when you replace your skylights or blinds with energy efficient heaters, water never runs off the house again, and flue systems don’t need maintenance. Energy efficiency windows are especially important during the summer, as 95% of Canadian homes are heated by their heaters, and older, inefficient windows can help save energy. The National Sustainable Energy Association notes that every dollar saved due to energy efficiency saves an extra $22 in carbon emissions.

Insulating a good chunk of your home ensures energy savings year-round, which will pay off in both your comfort and your bank account. Window insulation provides EMI (Electrical Impedance, which is a measurement of the electrical current passing through an object) that can help protect a structure from foreseeable cold temperatures. $10 to $20 per square foot will pay for itself in as little as 90 days, according to the Insulation Plus program. A good way to save that money is by insulating your kitchen, bathroom, and mezzanine floor.

Flue systems also help take advantage of the warm months, as they provide extra cooling on hot nights and help filter out smoke and other contaminants from the air. Replace your old flue with an energy-efficient gas stovetop system. Part of the $17.5 billion spent on energy in the U.S. every year is tied up in the electric grid; that grid is decentralized across a number of different utility companies. Anyone with a smart meter can see the supply and demand (RPS) of power at any given time, providing extensive real-time data on power usage and availability.

3. Consider awning or casement windows for better ventilation

If you want your home to have a lot of natural light and air ventilation, then awning and casement windows are your best bet. Awning windows have a sash that swings outward and casement windows have a sash that swivels out and pivot on a fixed frame. Not everyone loves the style of awnings, but if you take the time to style/colour match or work with a designer, you can create a unique look that helps your house stand out. Because who doesn’t want more curbside appeal, right?

4. Make sure your window treatments are helping or hurting your energy efficiency

The curtains you choose for your home can have a big impact on your energy efficiency. If you want to save energy, look for curtains that are lined with a blackout fabric. Blackout curtains will help to reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows and will help to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.There are more than 250 types of curtains available today, with many manufacturers producing multiple styles. Whether your style or budget is limited, the right curtains will allow you to put the right look on your window, while maintaining a sleek look for the outside as well. High-efficiency blackout curtains help to lower the amount of heat that escapes through your windows, and the soft microfiber lining provides an airy feeling inside while still allowing light to pass inside. When you have two of these curtains against one of your windows, the amount of heat that escapes through that window is reduced by 25%.

If you live in a cold climate, you may need to invest in a few curtain options for your windows. It may be beneficial to purchase heating and cooling systems to ensure your house is as energy efficient as possible. Look for curtains that don’t have fabric push-up, fabric patterns, or zippers for added bulk and potential energy usage. High-efficiency curtains will help to lower the amount of heat that escapes through your windows, and the soft microfiber lining provides an airy feeling inside while still allowing light to pass inside.

While you may not be able to invest in as many types of curtains as you can afford, choosing energy-efficient curtains can still make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. Consider installing new curtains now to save on energy costs in the future, and you may find that curtains will provide a lot of savings down the road.

5. Invest in energy efficient windows for maximum savings on heating and cooling bills

Newer, energy efficient windows can drastically reduce your heating and cooling costs, which can help you save money and enjoy cooler temperatures during the dog days of summer—and warmer temperatures during the frigid months of winter! Newer, energy efficient windows can drastically reduce your heating and cooling costs, which can help you save money and enjoy cooler temperatures during the dog days of summer—and warmer temperatures during the frigid months of winter.

• Walled Canopy Windows: These windows sold by most eligible home improvement stores are a great way to insulate your home so it stays comfortable in the summer and crisp air in the winter. They work exactly like your standard sliding glass doors, except the glass on the inside is covered with a mesh or sheath to keep the rain out and reduce condensation. This will also keep out insects and wear and tear on the roof. To maintain proper ventilation in your home during the cold months, these windows are very important to install on your house at this time.
• Two-Walled Canopy Windows: These windows are neither insulated nor insulated glass. Instead, these windows are made from a separate sheet of glass that’s attached to the wall with two metal rods.
• Natural Solar Windows: These windows don’t look or feel like traditional windows. They’re made from clear glass with a metal shingle insert that collects the sun’s rays and heats or cools the air as needed. These windows is an energy and water efficient way to help cool your room on a hot summer day or warm it up on a cold winter morning. Even with the sunlight shining through this window, your house will remain comfortable in the summer and comfortable in the winter.
  Wall Mountable Solar Windows: Green Home Insulated System’s Wall Mountable Solar Windows will keep your home comfortable during the hot summer months by utilizing just a few simple materials. These windows are an energy and water efficient way to help cool your room on a hot summer day or warm it up on a cold winter morning.