Energy Efficient Ways to Weatherize Existing Windows in Your Home

You’d be surprised at how much air and heat can transfer between the inside and outside of windows though cracks and holes or just through thin window panes. In the winter, this means uncomfortable drafts and higher heating bills. In the summer, it means more warm air and solar heat is getting into your home, working against your A/C’s best efforts. Following are some ways to weatherize existing windows, while lowering your energy bills in all seasons.

Window Treatments

The easiest way to weatherize windows is to simply use curtains, drapes and shades at the right times. In the winter, a relatively thick curtain can provide another layer of insulation against the cold. During sunny afternoons, open up the curtains and let the solar heat warm your home. In the summer, use window treatments and coverings to keep the sun out. There’s nothing that will defeat air conditioning more than an open curtain on the sunny side of the house on a hot day.

Caulk and Weatherstripping

You can use caulk and weatherstripping to seal leaky window frames and sashes. Older windows are prone to spring leaks as window sashes shrink with age or as the house shifts and the window no longer fits snugly into the frame. You can address some of these situations with rope caulk threaded onto cracks and pressed into them.

Shrink Film

Applying shrink film is an effective strategy to keep out drafts. When applied with double-sided tape and then heated with a hair dryer, the clear plastic shrinks tightly. It will stop drafts while creating an insulating buffer of air.

Window Glazing

Consider replacing window glazing that’s missing or has fallen off. This material is essential for sealing window panes against leaks. When it’s not doing its job, you can feel the cold drafts in winter, and your A/C will work harder in the summer.

These are only a few tips for how to weatherize existing windows. Contact us at Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal for more advice on weatherizing your windows as well as the rest of your Northwest Arkansas home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Springdale, Arkansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about weatherizing your windows and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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