How To Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Windows

If you are looking to make your home more energy efficient, your windows are a great place to start. Your windows are one of the key entry points for unwanted drafts as well as being a key point from which heat escapes your home. Below are four steps you can take to improve the energy efficiency of your windows.

Check for Gaps and Drafts

The first thing you need to do is establish if there are any gaps around your window frame or drafts entering your home. To do this, simply open the window and insert a piece of paper into the frame. Shut the window and attempt to remove the paper from the window. If it slides free without tearing, this suggests that there is a gap where the window is not closing properly. To detect drafts, you should light a candle and place it in front of the window. If when the window is closed the candle flickers, the window is letting in a draft. This will need to be inspected by a professional window fitter to be fixed. 

Caulk Gaps

To prevent drafts, you should caulk any cracks and gaps around the window. If you are caulking the inside of the window, you should use a non-elastic caulk, as this can be easily painted. For outside caulking, you should use a silicon-based caulk, which offers better resistance to the weather. You should use a caulk gun to ensure that every crack and gap is entirely filled before smoothing the caulk and removing any excess material using a butter or putty knife.

Hang Heavy Curtains

you should hang long heavy curtains, which should ideally reach the floor, in front of your windows. In the daytime when you are not using the room, you should keep the curtains drawn. This will help to stop heat escaping your home in winter or entering your home in summer.

Use reflective or UV window film

If during summer your home becomes uncomfortably hot, you should consider installing reflective or UV film onto your windows. This will help to block the heat of the sun and will mean your air conditioning unit uses less energy.

If you require further information or advice about making your windows energy efficient or if you are considering having new windows fitted, you should contact a professional window fitting service who will be able to provide help and assistance.