Why You Should Update Your Old Windows

When it comes to replacing the windows in their home and having a new home window installation, many people mistakenly think of it as merely another expense to add to their budget. But, it’s so much more than that as it’s an expense that could pay for itself.  

1. Older Windows and Your Energy Bill

Even if your old windows seem to be just fine, there could be still draining your budget.

Heat transfer

Older homes come with single pane windows that don’t a good job in keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. Outdated frame materials such as aluminum conduct heat directly from the outside to the inside of your home, causing your AC to work much harder to cool down your home.

Ultraviolet light

Plain glass lets in UV rays which cause a lot of damage such as deteriorating blinds, discolored carpets, faded artwork, photographs, furniture and wood floors.

Air leaks

According to Sonic Services in Minneapolis MN older windows have cracks that equate to lost heat or cooled down air, again making your HVAC or AC work harder. Not only can this make your home drafty, but it can also let in dust and other allergens, insects as well as water.

Maintenance

Older windows usually come with wooden frames that need to be repainted regularly to keep them from rotting. It will cost you time and money as they have to be meticulously masked off, sanded and primed, before being covered with several coats of paint.

2. Should I Update or Replace My Old Windows

New windows are designed to be virtually maintenance free and never need painting. They also do a much better job at insulating your home and therefore keeping your utility costs down. But, it will cost you and it’ll take a lifetime to get your money back through a lower utility bill. before start your insulation project, check this article about the most Common Terms And Concepts Behind Spray Foam Insulation

The rule of thumb is to replace your windows after they get extremely damaged as letting rot go unchecked in your house will just lead to further problems. If your frames are in relatively good shape and the issue is air leakage, repair will be likely be much cheaper and offer a very quick payback for your efforts in terms of saving energy and money, read here for more. You should also look into roller shutters Melbourne for added security to your home.

3. How To Make Your Windows More Efficient

Although old windows will leak more air and lose more heat than new ones, there is an energy variable to consider with their replacement as purchasing a new window comes with its own energy and carbon footprint in terms of raw material extraction, manufacturing and transportation, while also being expensive. So, let’s see how you can make your windows better and more efficient and reduce your NJ gas utility costs.

Add blinds and blackout curtains

Although it won’t fix the problem blinds will help preventing sun’s rays from heating up the place during hot summer days. Quality blinds can reduce the heat by up to 45 percent, but they are not effective for reducing heat loss during winter. If blinds don’t fit your home’ s style, you can install tinted window film, but if you live in a colder climate, you might want to get a temporary one as you can benefit from the sun during winter.

On the other hand, thick blackout curtains will provide an additional layer of insulation to your home, benefiting you both during summer and winter. Using both blinds and draperies maximizes sun protection and the prevention of heat loss in the winter. You should also protect upholstery using sun-fade protection spray. If curtains aren’t your thing, you can use pull-down shades you can custom-fit to your windows.

Apply caulk

Applying caulk or weather stripping is an inexpensive and easy solution to seal the gaps that let outdoor enter the home and indoor air to escape.

Install an awning during summer

Canvas awnings can reduce the amount of solar heat gained in your home by up to 65 percent during the summer when used on southern-facing windows and up to 77% if placed on western-facing windows. You find one at folding arm awnings Melbourne. You can also cover the wall with it to reduce the solar heat gained by it. Just make sure to get durable materials that resist fading and mildew. Another way to improve your windows is my adding glazing. Check out double glazing in Crewe.

Takeaway – Some energy efficient tips are inexpensive and you can do a number of things to improve the energy efficiency of your home’s windows.

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