Make Your Single-Pane Windows More Efficient
Hang heavy-duty curtains to contain drafts. When the sun beams down in the home, draw the curtains to keep the room in shade. Check your windows periodically for deteriorating caulk both inside and outside the home. Scrape away old deteriorating caulk and install new caulk.
Window insulation kits that seal the window with a plastic film are available from your local hardware store and online. These kits include plastic sheeting that you affix to the jambs with double-sided tape. Once in place, heat the plastic with a hairdryer, shrinking it to look like another glass pane.
Another way to prevent a draft from windows is with plastic weatherstripping. Install it along the side sashes and instantly improve the window's insulation from outside temperatures. A draft stopper or draft snake is one of the most simple ways to block cold air from coming in through your window.
Window film isn't the only step you can take to add extra insulation to old single pane windows. If you notice any drafts coming in around the edge of the frame, you can also attach window insulation tape. This is a padded, foam-like tape that will absorb stray gusts that squeak through between the glass and the frame.
The energy savings over single pane windows can be as much as 24 percent in cold climates during the winter and 18 percent during the summer in hot climates. That results in lower energy costs and less noise, which can be an important consideration if you live on a busy street.
Bubble wrap is often used to insulate greenhouse windows in the winter, but it also seems to work fine for windows in the house. You can use it with or without regular or insulating window shades. It also works for windows of irregular shape, which can be difficult to find insulating shades for.
Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.
For the most part, single-pane windows are not recommended. Improvements to windows have come a long way since single-pane windows were the norm, and your single-pane windows are likely aging and in need of replacement.
It is possible to convert single-pane windows to double-glazing. Retrofit double-glazing, usually made out of PVC or acrylic laminate, is applied to your existing single-pane windows to effectively turn them into double-glazed windows. Another method is through an acrylic insert held into place by magnets.
Can I double-glaze an existing window? The most common question our customers ever ask is “can I put double-glazing in my existing windows?” For most people, double-glazing is synonymous with energy efficiency and comfort. The short answer is yes, you can double-glaze many existing windows.
According to homeadvisor.com, double-pane windows can reduce energy usage by up to 24 percent in the winter months and up to 18 percent during the summer. It's important to keep in mind that to see energy-saving results, you must replace all old and failing windows in your home; not just one.
There's no doubt double glazing will make a difference to the comfort of your home and your energy bills, but deciding to get retrofit or new joinery can be daunting. Retrofit double glazing in most cases can be more affordable or cost effective compared to new joinery, due to new framing or extra materials needed.
To double glaze an existing window, all you need to do is to add another layer of glazing. This is done by installing a discreet sub frame on the inside of the window, to which an optical grade acrylic panel is fitted and held in place by continuous channel magnets.
Energy Star-certified replacement windows are the most energy efficient windows available. Each Energy Star certified window is nearly twice as energy efficient as an average replacement window.
Aside from the obvious money-saving benefits, energy efficient windows can also help reduce outside noise and even increase your home's value. When it's time to sell, you could recoup as much as 70% of the cost of the windows. This, combined with what you save on your energy bill will more than justify the cost.
In many cases, windows can be installed at least partially from the outside. However, every home is unique, and there may be some features of your home's window openings that require all or part of the replacement window installation process to occur inside.
But some double glazed windows are better than others, and triple glazed windows can be better still. Replacing old double glazed windows with new higher performance glazing will cut heat loss through your windows, making the room more comfortable and easier to heat. It can also cut your heating bills slightly.
Vinyl Windows
Yes, replacing worn out windows with vinyl ones does boost a home's value, as long as the window installation is done the right way. When they sell, homeowners can recover as much as 71 percent of the upfront remodeling cost of new windows.