Many of us don’t realize that our windows aren’t doing their job until the winter creeps in. Inefficient windows enable the cool air to enter our homes, making us feel cold and miserable. Besides not keeping our homes warm, inefficient windows also increase our heating bills.
Keep reading to learn more about how to keep cold air from coming through windows. We’ll discuss several methods and recommend the best and most long-lasting solution.
Five Ways to Keep Cold Air From Coming Through Your Windows
Here are five effective ways to prevent the cold air from entering your home:
Weather Strips
Weather strips are an efficient and affordable way to seal air leaks in your windows. Moreover, weatherstripping is done in a few steps, so there’s usually no need to hire a professional to help you, which can save you money.
Weather strips are usually divided into compression, V-type, and foam designs. Compression weather strips last the longest and are placed on the window sash. V-type are installed on the side of a window jam, where they form a seal that prevents air from coming through. Foam strips can be found in various shapes and sizes, and they have an adhesive side, making them the easiest type to install.
While weather strips are undoubtedly a quick and affordable solution, they won’t solve your problem in the long run. After a certain time, the strips will require a replacement.
Window Film
Window film or window laminate is a thin film that can be installed both on the window’s exterior and interior. It’s typically made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin. Window films can be used for increasing privacy but also for insulation.
When placed on the window’s exterior, window films act like saran wrap. If you want to use them to seal drafts, heat the films with a blow dryer after placing them on your window. The heat will cause them to shrink and cover the holes effectively.
Window films are a convenient option because they are affordable and easy to install. Plus, you can find them in numerous attractive designs, so they are visually appealing as well.
Re-Caulking
Re-caulking windows will help you seal out the drafts and reduce your heating bills during the winter. The caulking is specially designed to be placed over the window frame in the fall and peeled off in the spring.
Temporary caulking is generally used with older windows, like sliders, for which weather stripping isn’t as effective. This is a great option for windows you know you won’t open during the cold weather.
Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains contain a layer of acrylic foam tucked in between multiple layers of fabric. While they don’t seal the windows directly, they act as a protective layer between the window and your home. Besides enabling you to keep your house warm and reduce the heating bills, insulated curtains block out noise and sunlight.
These curtains are easy to hang and are available in numerous colourful designs that can fit right in with your décor. However, keep in mind that thermal curtains only work when they’re closed. This means the room you hang them in will be dark most of the day. If you’re away from home a lot, this is a good option.
Energy Star Rated Windows
While all the options we’ve discussed above are effective in keeping the cold air out to some degree, they aren’t long-term methods. They don’t provide 100% protection, and after a while, they will require a replacement.
A long-term, efficient, and reliable solution is investing in Energy Star-rated windows. Let’s see what makes these windows excellent.
First, let’s explain what an Energy Star window means:
- The window was manufactured by an Energy Star partner.
- The window is tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
- The NFRC ratings confirm the window meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It’s important to emphasize that there isn’t a specific technology used to manufacture all Energy Star-qualified windows. However, most of them have some or all of these features:
- Quality frame materials – The manufacturers use high-quality materials that improve insulation by reducing heat transfer.
- Multiple panes – Most Energy Star windows feature two panes with air or gas in between them. Some windows even have three or more panes that are excellent for sound insulation and better impact resistance.
- Low-emissivity glass – Low E-glass helps you keep the heat in during winter and out during summer. Since they also reflect UV light, the windows prevent your furniture from fading.
- Gas filling – Some Energy Star windows have gas fillings such as argon or krypton between two panes. They are completely non-toxic and provide better insulation than just air.
- Warm edge spacers – The spacers keep two windows panes apart at a distance that guarantees insulation and reduces heat transfer.
While installing brand new windows may seem like a costly investment, it’s essential to think about the bigger picture. Energy-efficient windows will help you save money in the long run because you won’t have to spend as much on heating and air conditioning. Since you’ll use less energy to keep your home warm, you’ll leave less of a carbon footprint and contribute to protecting the environment.
Canada Greener Home Grant
Greenhouse gas emissions are harming our planet now more than ever. The Canadian government recognized the importance of going green, so it developed a grant called Canada Greener Homes. The government offers $5,000 in grants to make your home energy efficient.
When it comes to windows, you can opt for these options:
- Replace existing windows with Energy Star certified models for $125 per opening.
- Replace existing windows with Energy Star Most Efficient models for $250 per opening.
Here is a bit more information regarding the grant:
- One household can apply for one grant.
- The grant is provided after replacing the windows, so you need to have the money to cover the upgrades.
- You can’t apply if your house was built six months prior.
- All products used for upgrades need to be purchased in Canada.
- You need to get a pre-fit inspection and pass an evaluation after upgrading to get the grant.
We Can Help
Replacing your windows is a serious and expensive investment that can cost you much more if it’s not done right. If you’re trying to figure out how to keep cold air from coming through windows, you want to be 100% sure you’re working with the best of the best. We at Windows Experts will happily partner with you to make your home warmer and greener.
Our selection of Energy Star windows at excellent prices guarantees you’ll pass the post-fit evaluation and get the grant. Feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation.
