How To Make Old Windows More Energy Efficient

How To Make Older Windows More than Energy Efficient

| May 16, 2017
Author: Raj Kain Windows

Most of the energy wastage in old buildings is usually associated with overdue maintenance. In fact, reports advise that as much equally 25 per cent of heat loss occurs through windows and drafts, which can be easily managed with proper and timely repair, improvements, or energy-efficient window replacement. In comparison, 35 per cent of heat loss occurs through the walls; 25 per cent through the roof; and 15 per cent through the floor.

When it comes to repairing old windows, replacing them with free energy-efficient ones and installing storm windows, many designers, contractors, and architects agree that each solution is unique and right for different situations. However, leaky windows that have been in place for over 30 years should definitely exist replaced.

Energy-efficient window replacements feature new technologies that offer significant savings in energy bills over time, along with incredible durability, beauty, customization, depression-maintenance, and fifty-fifty lifetime warranties. You can cull from a wide range of shapes and styles to suit your needs, from single- and double-hung to casements and awnings, and everything in betwixt.

Just the extent of whatsoever home improvement project largely depends on your budget. If you think that it is too soon to install energy-efficient windows replacements in your habitation, or if your budget does non allow it, you can nevertheless make your current quondam windows more energy efficient in the following ways:

1. Repair
   Addressing unproblematic maintenance problems can significantly reduce estrus loss and improve the efficiency of your home. You should start by accessing your windows to identify whatever air leaks, cracks in the frames, windows, and joints, and any other signs of harm.The type of window frames yous take tin be the biggest cause for energy loss. Many old windows feature wooden frames that are actually expert insulators. The only problem with timber is that it is susceptible to weathering, insect harm, and decay.Identify the damaged areas in your windows that can be fixed, and supplant any severely damaged sections, such equally infested frames or harm that allows atmospheric precipitation to settle on the window frames. Check the status of the paint, varnish, and other treatments, and reapply them if demand be. Yous should too consider splicing techniques to reduce the incidence of dampness and decay.

   Consider adding weatherstripping or caulking to seal tiny cracks and gaps around the windows. Caulk is particularly useful for sealing cracks that are less than .25 inches wide on the non-movable parts of the window (such every bit frames), while weatherstripping can be used to gear up leaks on the movable areas of the window without interfering with their power to open/close properly.

2. Ameliorate
   After performing basic maintenance and ensuring that there are no gaps, leakages, or cracks in the windows, you lot should consider other strategies to improve their energy efficiency. Common options include:
   • Double or triple glazing: Double- and triple-pane windows are apparently more than efficient than single-pane windows. They are fifty-fifty more effective when argon gas is filled betwixt the panes, helping to keep warm air in and absurd air out. However, changing the window panes in your entire firm can be a rather costly endeavour, and information technology would be more price constructive to supersede the windows with new energy-efficient windows.
   • Tinting: For very old windows, something equally simple equally tinting the windows tin dramatically better the comfort level of your rooms by filtering out unwanted radiations and heat. Nonetheless, this option can limit your view of the outdoors, meaning that only the less visible windows can exist tinted.
   • Installing insulating shades: Tight-fitting insulating shades can be practical on the windows to forestall cold drafts and heat loss. These soft covers are usually more effective when installed after weatherizing.
   • Installing window films: Consider using rut shrink plastic motion-picture show to seal each individual leaky window. The flick should be cut for each window pane, attached using double-sided tape, and a pilus dryer used to compress the picture show and eliminate wrinkles. For greater free energy efficiency, y'all can also utilize Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to the windows, though this option is more expensive.
   • Using advisable window treatments: With the right shades and curtains, you can effectively control the amount of light getting into your abode, and also deed as a buffer betwixt air flow in drafty windows and your rooms. Studies advise that curtains tin reduce estrus loss by about 25 per cent.
   • Adding tempest windows: Both interior and exterior storm windows can be added to your existing windows to help reduce airflow and improve insulation. They are easy to install, protect the main window'south insulation, and too aid to reduce noise. Unfortunately, tempest windows likewise require special maintenance, and need replacement every two to iii years, so they could be costly as a long-term solution.

Leaky windows can be expensive for homeowners, but these strategies tin help to amend their efficiency in the short-term. For long-term savings, you should consider energy-efficient window replacement. Although high performance windows require a substantial initial investment, they offering bully render on investment in the long run due to improved energy efficiency, better climate command, low maintenance, better light control, and noise reduction, amongst other merits.

Source: https://www.clerawindows.com/blog/how-to-make-older-windows-more-energy-efficient/

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