During the spring and summer, windows frame a picture-perfect world filled with brilliantly blooming flowers and trees, children riding bikes and dogs running in the yard.
Unfortunately, windows can also increase utility bills. However, taking a few steps to improve the efficiency of your home’s windows can make all the difference between spending money on high utility bills or taking a well-deserved family vacation.
Everyone knows that there’s money to be saved by replacing old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient ones. However, window replacement, typically a professional job, may be more than your pocket book will allow for at the moment.
In the meantime, with a few simple steps and a trip to the local hardware store or home center, even a novice do-it-yourselfer can find it easy to reduce utility bills and increase home comfort.
Weatherstripping is an easy and inexpensive way to reduce drafts around windows. It can be applied to the window sash to decrease the amount of airflow leaking through the frame. Peel-and-stick or nail-on material is easy to install and can pay big dividends in energy savings.
Keep in mind that even weatherstripping has limitations. It works great on windows that open, but won’t help improve the energy efficiency of fixed frame windows.
Closing blinds and curtains to block sunlight will reduce the amount of UV rays and heat that enters a home. Unfortunately, heat can still build up between windows and window coverings and radiate throughout a home. Plus, covered windows destroy your view and can make an otherwise cheery room feel dark and closed in.
Planting shrubs and trees around a home can help provide shade for a home as well as increase the privacy and beauty of a home. One or more strategically placed shade trees can significantly lower the temperature in your home, thus increasing personal comfort and lowering cooling costs.
Keep in mind that it may take several years to enjoy the full effect of this option while waiting for shrubbery and trees to mature.
Window film is an easy way to quickly reduce utility costs. It can be installed on single pane windows or as an upgrade to dual pane, insulated windows.
Window film consists of a micro-thin layer of polyester film with a coating specially designed to reflect up to 70 percent the summers heat.
Window film industry studies demonstrate that window film can save a homeowner up to 47 percent off their current annual cooling costs based upon the type of windows in their home and geographic location. The savings are based on the ability of the film to reduce summer heat gain on windows, which average 40 percent of a homeowner’s monthly utility bill. Unlike in years past, most of today’s window films are virtually invisible, which allows for an unobstructed view.
Although window film can be installed professionally, leading manufacturers are producing do-it-yourself-friendly installation kits that contain precut material along with all the tools necessary for a successful installation. Installation time for an average size window is about 30 minutes and costs less than $30 or about 80 cents a square foot.
Besides blocking summer heat, window films provide up to 99 percent UV rejection to help reduce fading year-round. If your window coverings, flooring or furniture are showing signs of fading, window film may help be the answer.
For more home improvement tips and information from James and Morris Carey, visit their Web site at www.onthehouse.com or call 800-737-2474 Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 8 a.m. every Saturday.
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