When fall rolls around (and it’s right around the corner, don’t let the warm weather fool you), you want to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. This can mean a lot of things, but for most, it means making sure that your home isn’t leaking energy at the corners. Solutions can run the gamut from inexpensive or free to pricey, but no matter the cost, taking the time and effort to make sure that you’re not losing valuable heat can go a long way in not only making sure your home is as comfortable as possible when it’s cold out, but can also make a difference in your wallet.
But what can you do to make sure that your home isn’t throwing off heat like a radiator is to check your windows. Because of the fact that they’re basically just holes in your home, windows can be the biggest culprit in energy loss, and the most important to make secure. If your home has old fashioned single-pane windows, this is especially true. There are two common solutions that you can take when it comes to your windows. The obvious one would be to consider replacing them. While this solution is more costly initially, the savings that you can see from replacing inefficient windows with more modern ones can often make the windows pay for themselves. Alternatively, sealing your windows with a layer of plastic sheeting and tape can make a huge difference in heating and cooling costs.
Because of the way they’re generally installed, the space around your windows can be a problem as well. Installing windows requires that there be a space around the window to put it into. Now, generally, a contractor will fill in this space with foam insulation, but if your windows are older (or if your contractor likes to cut corners), this step may not have been taken. This is something that can be done at home, but the process can be time consuming and labor intensive. Before you make this change, it might be a good idea to speak to a professional who can analyze your home’s energy efficiency, including making sure your windows are up to snuff. Visit www.hintonac.com for more information.
