During winter, you may experience many problems like ice dam formation on your roof and high heating costs because of damaged or low-performing windows. With proper inspection, repair, and precautionary measures, you can avoid spending a fortune on your energy bill for the coming months.
Here are some things you can do to have energy-efficient windows for the season:
- Inspect — Check the condition of your windows, including its operation, damaged glazing, loose joints, worn-out weather stripping, and defective hardware. Take note of the parts that you must repair or replace.
- Restore — When your windows are still in working condition, you may improve their airtightness by adjusting the sash locks and adding more if necessary. Make sure the paint and weather stripping do not affect the proper operation of your windows upon opening and closing them.
- Clean and tighten the hardware screws and add lubrication to the parts that move for smoother operation. If you need to repaint your window frames, use high-quality exterior paint that can withstand harsh winter elements.
- Choose Low-E — Low-E is an invisible metallic oxide coating applied on the pane’s surface. It is used to reflect exterior heat back to the source without compromising the light that passes through. Windows with Low-E may help reduce energy consumption and increase your home’s comfort. In the cold season, Low-E glass helps keep the heat inside your home.
- If you’re not using Low-E glass for your windows, think about replacing your windows or asking a window specialist about the possible application of the coating on your existing glass.
- There are different types of products with this type of coating. Some windows, for instance, come with High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass, which is about 45% more energy-efficient than standard dual-pane glass during winter.
- Replace — When there are serious issues with your window frame, pane, sash, or the whole unit, you may need to consult a professional and get a replacement. Some damage is beyond repair. Additionally, if your current windows are single-pane, they may not be able to provide enough thermal resistance for your home. Think about switching to double-pane replacement windows for energy efficiency.
Prevent high energy bills by repairing your windows or choosing insulated replacements with Low-E panes. To help you select the right option for your home, consult NEXT Door &Window. We offer a range of energy-efficient replacement windows in Illinois from top manufacturers like Marvin, Sunrise, and Infinity.
Contact us today, and our dedicated staff will be glad to help you find windows that are ready for the cold season.
