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Making your windows more energy efficient is one of the best things that you can do to save on energy costs in the long run and make your home feel more comfortable in the process. Windows play a pivotal role in regulating the temperature inside your home, which is going to affect how you heat and cool it throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen the windows that you already have, or you’re looking to replace your old windows with new and improved energy-efficient windows, here are five ways that you can make your windows—and your home—more energy efficient.
Swap the Old Windows with New, Energy-Efficient Windows
It might seem obvious, but one of the most effective ways to make an immediate difference with how well your home saves energy—especially if your current windows aren’t meeting your standards—is to replace the old ones with newer, energy-efficient models. Even though this can mean a greater upfront cost, new windows will drastically and immediately deliver an improvement on the way your home looks and feels, and you will have a clear idea of the potential energy savings over time.
While you’re in the market for these new windows, try to spot the ENERGY STAR label. This seal of approval means that the windows meet or exceed the energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—great news for anyone looking to save energy and possibly cut their energy bill. Energy-saving windows tend to include:
- Low-E coatings (low emissivity) are a glass coating that is applied directly to the window. These reduce the number of ultraviolet (UV) rays that get inside your home, protecting your walls, furniture, and decor from fading. Pella has four different types of Low-E coatings available to give you the most customized protection for your home.
- Insulated glass refers to the layers of glass inside the window, which are separated by a space filled with air or gas (like argon or krypton). This can be a game-changer when it comes to how well your windows absorb heat by creating an extra barrier between the window and your home.
Install Window Films to Stop the Heat in its Tracks
Window films are a great way to increase energy efficiency without breaking the bank because you can add them directly to the glass yourself without replacing the windows that you already have. Once they’re applied to the glass, not as much heat gets inside during the summer and not as much heat escapes during the winter.
Reflective films do exactly what their name says they do: they reflect the sunlight away from your windows. This doesn’t just stop as much heat from entering your home, but it also cuts out a ton of glare, which can be a giant eye strain and become migraine-inducing when you’re just trying to watch TV or work on your computer.
Tinted films, on the other hand, do their job by absorbing heat from the sun, which keeps your home cooler. They also reduce harmful UV rays, which can otherwise damage your skin, furniture, carpets, and artwork over time.
Just like windows with Low-E coatings applied to the glass, Low-E films are another excellent option for insulating your home—with the added convenience of being able to add them to your current setup yourself.
Adding after-market films to your window do void your warranty with Pella, but the films themselves should come with a guarantee that takes over where your Pella Warranty leaves off. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to ensure that you remain covered.
Add Insulated and Reflective Window Coverings
Window treatments and coverings can be more than just decorations that you hang up along your windows. Common household features like curtains, blinds, and shades are easy to set up, and they tie the room together. And some are even specially designed for blocking the heat and stopping drafts.
Cellular shades—also known as “honeycomb shades”—are designed to trap air and stop heat from getting inside your home. On top of that, thermal curtains have a few different layers of fabric that create a natural barrier between your windows and the rest of the room.
Roman shades (also known as Roman blinds), are another common window covering, and you can line these classic treatments with thermal fabrics for even more insulation—and an awesome, layered look!
Keep Up with Routine Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning your windows on a regular basis is another way to keep them working properly and save energy around your house over time.
While it might seem small, these small steps add up and help your windows save you energy, because when your windows are clean, they let more natural light into your home. In the end, you don’t have to use as much artificial light, and you can cut down on your energy bills.
Take some time to clean both the glass and window frames to remove any dirt, grime, or debris that builds up over time. Make this a monthly, or seasonal task, and make sure that you check all the seals and weatherstripping around your windows as you clean. If you notice that anything is damaged, address it immediately, as these issues tend to deteriorate over time.
Making sure that your windows can open and close smoothly is also incredibly important when it comes to your windows shutting all the way, forming a tight seal, when they’re supposed to. A little lubrication can go a long way in keeping the different window parts in good working order.
Building From the Ground-Up? Think About Window Placement and Design
If you’re building a new home or planning a major renovation project for your house, then take this opportunity to plan ahead in terms of your window placement and design.
Your window selection and placement can have a huge impact on how hard your heating and cooling systems have to work to keep up with the shifting Nebraska weather. By strategically placing your new windows, you can maximize your natural light and ventilation while managing how much heat your home gains or loses every season.
Making Your Windows More Energy Efficient with Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln
Making your windows more energy efficient is a smart investment that can net you savings on your energy bill—not to mention, windows that are good at saving energy make your home more comfortable while reducing your carbon footprint.
Whether you’re going for simple DIY solutions like weatherstripping and window film, or more significant upgrades like new energy-efficient windows and exterior shading, there are plenty of options that can get the job done and fit within your budget.
At Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, we have state-of-the-art windows and cutting edge energy-efficient options available, including wood frames that can be up to 1,800 times better at insulating your home than metal, fiberglass frames that can withstand extreme weather, and vinyl frames with built-in air chambers.
We also offer some of the best warranties in the industry. Our Pella Care Guarantee ensures that your new windows are covered for years to come.
Schedule a free consultation today and learn more about how we can help you make the most out of your new installation with our premium selection of energy efficient windows.
