Upgrading the Energy Efficiency of Your Windows

Illinois winters bring those cold northern winds that creep through any opening in your home. Even though your windows are closed, you may still feel drafts coming in through small gaps. If you’ve been experiencing reduced heat loss this winter, it’s not going to get better. Here are some tips for improving comfort in your home, but at some point you may need to consider replacement windows in Villa Park, IL.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

If you’re not quite ready to upgrade to new storm windows, you can often reduce the air leakage by caulking and weather-stripping your current doors and windows. Another great way to prevent the loss of heat during the winter is to install window treatments which cover the glass. This won’t keep the heat from escaping through the gaps, but it will help keep your home more efficient in both the winter and summer. There are also window insulation kits which are a sheet of plastic to install over the entire window. Very effective at keeping out drafts, but you lose the ability to open the window until it’s removed.

Install New Windows

Of course, there comes a time when it’s no longer cost-efficient to keep maintaining your old windows. When you’re choosing replacement windows in Villa Park, IL, work with a professional installer to choose the best fixtures for your home and your lifestyle. When installing Energy Star windows, there are many strategies to get the best windows for your home.

Your north-facing windows do not collect solar heat, unlike the south-facing walls. To maximize your solar heat gain in the winter, south-facing windows need a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) higher than 0.6. A low-emissivity coating can reduce your energy loss by about 40 percent. It’s worth checking into newer window technology to watch your energy costs year-round.