Windows and Doors: Tips for Winterizing your Home

With the weather quickly dropping, it’s getting more and more important for homeowners to take the proper steps for “winterizing” their homes.

You’ve already checked to see if your home is ready for winter weather, but now there’s an even more important question to answer:

Now what?

To get the most out of your windows and doors – and to help you save on your energy bills – we've put together a few quick tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your windows and doors to keep your home feeling comfortable and your energy bills down.

Window Treatments

To make your current windows even more energy efficient, try adding additional window treatments such as draperies or window shades.

Make sure your windows and doors are properly taken care of
to avoid bigger problems for your home.

According to Energy.gov, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10%. Adding insulated or thermal draperies or curtains to your windows could help to cut down on heat loss even more.

Window shades are another great option if you’re looking to get even greater efficiency out of your already energy-efficient windows. Dual shades can be switched depending on the season, helping to absorb heat on one side and reflect heat on the other.

Tip: if using dual shades, make sure the reflective side is toward the warmest side.

Seal Leaks or Drafts

If you’re feeling a slight drafts even when your windows and doors are closed, it might be as simple as sealing your windows and doors. However, it’s important to be careful that this isn’t a sign of damaged windows and doors. If damaged, a temporary seal is only that – temporary.

If there is no visible damage, try sealing your windows and doors to prevent drafts. Foams or films tend to work great for windows and can help seal up drafts in a pinch.

Another fix for doors is a simple draft snake. These are usually filled with sand and are an easy way to seal the door.

Remember: sealing drafts are usually only temporary fixes. Major drafts or leaks in your windows or doors are definite red flags they may need to be replaced!

Replace your Windows or Doors

If you have damaged windows or doors, it’s in your best interest to not try a “quick-fix” for the winter. It may not seem like an opportune time to replace your windows or doors, but winter is actually a great time to replace your windows and doors.

If your windows or doors are damaged, a “quick-fix” solution won’t solve your problems in the long term. Replacement windows or doors can provide an instant boost in energy savings and can help keep your future energy bills low as well.

As an added bonus, replacement windows and doors will improve the curb appeal of your home and improve the overall value of your home, too.

Need to replace your windows or doors before the weather drops even further? Sign up to get a Free Estimate on your project!