Did you know that you can lose nearly 40% of your home’s heating and cooling energy from your windows and doors if you’re not maximizing their energy-efficiency? We hate to say it, but you’re literally throwing money out the window! More energy wasted means a greater burden on your wallet and the planet.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways you can keep the heat in this winter. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible.
Install Energy Star Windows & Doors
Are your windows drafty, or do they get hot in the summer but cold in the winter? Home builders often install cheap, low-quality windows to keep their costs low. The best way you can mitigate your soaring energy costs is to install energy-star certified windows and doors.
The energy-star certification means that the products meet or exceed energy-efficiency specifications laid down by the Canadian government. Make sure to check the Energy Star climate zone for your home and then ask for products that meet the zone’s needs. The zones are defined based on the area’s average daily temperature, so if you buy a window meant for a warmer location, you might find the window does not insulate as well as you would like.
Making a window or door energy-efficient is about a lot more than thick glass and a good seal. Some windows are treated with low e-coating and filled with Argon gas to reduce UV ray penetration and slow heat transfer through the glass. You can also choose double or triple glazed windows for better insulation.
Weather Stripping
If you’re not ready for the costs of replacing your windows and doors completely, redoing the weather-stripping around them can help reduce the cold draft coming in. It’s not an expensive project to take on, or if you have a knack for DIY, you can even do some of it yourself.
Curtains
Installing thicker curtains is an easy way to add a layer between you and the cold air outside. Thermal curtains have three layers of thermal- resistant materials. The middle layer is usually made of foam, flannel or felt, and the third layer is generally made of cotton or reflective film to protect the inner layer from sunlight. They are entirely customizable, and the front-facing layer is usually a decorative fabric.
Are you looking to stay warm while keeping your energy bills low this Winnipeg winter? Best Windows and Doors Winnipeg has the perfect windows and doors to keep you and your family cozy. Our experienced and certified installers are here to make the process quick and easy. Call us today for a free quote!