Use Your Home Windows to Keep Warm this Winter

Most of us think of using our windows to just look outside. But did you know you can use your windows to help keep you warm during the colder seasons?

Sacramento winters are chilly for California, so we put together these simple home windows maintenance tips to help keep your home cozy this winter.

Seal and Caulk Any Gaps

Home windows are a great natural light source and can help you save money on your energy bill. However, they also create gaps that allow heat to easily escape your home.

To keep heat inside and prevent drafts from coming through, it’s important to seal off any cracks or gaps in your window frames. Even if you can’t see any gaps around your window frames, chances are drafts are still getting through.

Sealing and caulk together are great ways to weatherize your home. Caulks are used as sealants between two pieces of wood or metal, caulk can create a tight seal resistant to water, dust and other elements. You can buy sealant and caulking at most hardware stores or online.

Apply a Window Film

Window film is a thin layer of specialized plastic applied to the inside or outside of your window. This extra layer prevents ultraviolet (UV) rays from entering your home and causing damage. It also reduces glare and protects furniture and carpets from fading due to exposure to sunlight.

This option also helps reduce energy costs by keeping your home warmer in the winter. This is because the film reflects the heat back into your home and provides an extra layer of insulation.

Additionally, it prevents condensation on windows during cold weather, which can cause mold and mildew growth on walls and ceilings.

The best bit?  By using film instead of thick drapes or blinds, natural light can still brighten up your home. But remember, when window cleaning, use a soft cloth to wipe down the film and avoid cleaning products containing ammonia.

Apply Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is a material you place on the edges of your windows to prevent drafts from getting into your home. This helps you reduce your energy bills by keeping your home warmer for longer.

There are many types of weathers tripping available at your local home improvement store. Some types are easy to install, while others require professional help. It all depends on your desire and skill level.

Also, make sure to measure the length of each windowpane before buying weather stripping. In addition, you want to make sure that the strips fit tightly against the glass without any gaps.

Window cleaning around weather strips is reasonably straightforward. Use warm soapy water to wash the weather strip and pat dry with a paper towel.

Use Heavy Curtains

If you live in a drafty house, consider installing heavy curtains over your windows this winter season. This will help keep the cold air out of your home while still allowing light in through the window openings.

Drapes, blinds, and shutters have been used for centuries to insulate homes. And an added bonus is that they can be a stylish and decorative feature for your home windows.

Another great thing about curtains is that they’re generally affordable. So, you don’t have to spend too much money on them while still saving on your energy bills.

If you have a window that gets lots of sun, leave your curtains open during the daytime. This allows the sun’s rays to seep into the room, adding warmth and light. Then, in the evening, close the curtains to stop that heat from escaping.

Consider New Home Windows

When was the last time you replaced your windows? Even if you maintain them every winter, you could still lose heat from your home if your windows are past their best.

Standard single-pane windows allow a lot of heat to escape, leading to higher energy bills and expensive repairs. However, investing in newer double-pane windows block out these drafts keeping your home warmer for longer.

Also, replacing older windows with energy-efficient windows will reduce your energy bills.

Contact the window installation experts at Bell Bros and keep your Sacramento home warm this winter.