Want Better Energy Savings? Weatherize Your Windows

Air leaks around your Broken Arrow home account for higher energy bills and a lower level of comfort, and they make your HVAC system work overtime to replace the lost air. Sealing air leaks is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your comfort level and reduce your energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Weatherizing windows is a good place to start winterizing your home.

Benefits of Weatherizing Windows

In addition to lower energy bills, reducing wear on your heating system, and improving your comfort level, sealing air leaks around your windows will help reduce noise coming in from outside, keep pollen and other allergens out, and provide better humidity control in your home.

What You'll Need for Weatherizing Windows

Weatherizing windows doesn't require a lot of supplies. All you'll need is:

• Silicone caulk.

• Rope caulk.

• Weatherstripping.

• Expandable foam for large gaps and cracks on the window's exterior.

• Window insulation kits containing plastic shrink film.

Exterior Window Sealing

Start with the exterior of your home.

• Use silicone caulk to create a seal along the seam where the window frame meets the exterior wall.

• Use expandable foam to seal large gaps and cracks around the window.

• Install storm windows if you have them.

Interior Window Sealing

Once you've sealed the exterior, move indoors.

• Use silicone caulk to seal the seam where the window frames meet the wall.

• Open the windows and install weatherstripping to create a solid seal when the window is closed.

• Apply rope caulk to the movable parts of the windows.

• If you don't have storm windows, install plastic shrink film for a solid barrier between the indoors and out.

Keep your drapes open during sunny days to help warm your rooms, and close them on cloudy days and at night.

Consider an Energy Audit

According to Energy Star, a home energy audit helps you pinpoint exactly where your home is increasing your energy costs. If you'd like to learn more about an energy audit, or for more advice about weatherizing windows, feel free to contact us at Air Assurance, proudly serving the Broken Arrow area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about weatherizing windows and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “israelbest/Pixabay”

Is Your Heat Seeping Out Of Your Windows? Insulation Tips That Will Save You Money

Winter is in full force in Oklahoma and you could be spending more money on your heating bill than you need to be. Drafty windows are one of the top ways for heat to escape your home. Making sure that windows are properly insulated is the best way to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Test the windows in your home for drafts. Place a candle or tissue next to the window. If your see the flame on the candle flicker, or if the tissue flutters, then that means there is a draft coming from the window. The window should be insulated to keep heat in.

Here are a few insulation tips to consider when preparing your home for the chill of winter.

• Repair any cracked glass or damaged trim around the window. Most of the time drafts are caused by loose trim or the panels of the window. Replacing these or using caulk to seal the leaks will save a lot of heat. Like caulk, putty can be used to fill in cracks and air leaks in the wood paneling and trim work around the window.

• Single pane windows are a big source of heat loss in older homes. To keep from replacing the glass you can buy window insulating plastic. This is a sheet of place that is cut to fit over the window. It is hung around the edges of the trim tightly, and left up all winter.

• Another great insulation tip is to hang heavy curtains or drapes during the winter months. When coupled with storm windows and other insulation methods the drapes will help the home retain heat.

Saving money on utility bills is a big concern for many people, and by following a few insulation tips you can save a few bucks each month. You will also be a little warmer this winter. For more information on proper insulation of your home contact Air Assurance, providing quality service to the Tulsa metropolitan area for over 25 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock