Getting Your Windows Ready For Fall

As the winter and fall approach and the temperatures start to drop, there is a lot that a person might do to prepare. In getting ready for the colder weather, you have to think about what you are going to do to prepare your home.

To make sure that your home is ready for the fall and winter, you might want to spend some time thinking about your windows. In many homes, the biggest loss of heat will come from them. If you want to ensure that your home is comfortable and cut the costs of home heating, take some time to get your windows ready for fall.

Here is how:

Sealing and Caulking

Have you noticed any drafts or cool air coming in around the windows? If so, this could be a sign that you need to caulk or that the seals need to be replaced. Over time, gaps can develop around windows and the seals will start to go bad. This can lead to heat escaping from the home and it can allow cool outdoor air to flow in.

Inspect your windows for any drafts and check the seals around the window to see if they are still in good shape. If there are any problems, you can seal the leaks with caulk and replace the weather stripping. This will reduce the draft and save you money on your heating.

Cleaning

While you are taking care of your windows, you should also give them a good cleaning. If you for the coming seasons, then it may be a while before you have access to the actual glass. Before you cover them up, get some glass cleaner and wash the interior and exterior sides of the windows. If you have a lot of windows, or windows that are hard to access from the exterior, then you could consider hiring a professional window cleaning service.

Insulating

If you really want to reduce the amount of heat that can escape from the windows, then insulation is the best option. Buying multi-pane windows that have insulation will provide the best form of insulation, but if you do not have these, and cannot afford to do replacements, there are ways that you can insulate your existing windows. One of the most common options is to use the plastic film insulation that covers the windows. The covering works because air is actually one of the best insulators. With a pocket of static air trapped between the window and the film, it will effectively insulate the window and keep the home warm. As an additional option, there are insulating blinds and curtains that you can purchase for the windows. Even standard blinds and curtains can provide some level of insulation as long as they cover the entire window and they are heavy enough. This will not be quite as effective as the film, but it is better than nothing. Checking for Damage All of the work of caulking, sealing and insulating windows will help you to save energy, but the problem may lie with the windows and the frames. If your windows are old, then it is a good idea to check them for damage. If the windows are still drafty, then it could be that the frames no longer fit well in the space. If they get foggy, it could be that the seals around the window have gone bad. You also want to try opening and closing them to see how well they work. If your windows are old and are either worn or damaged, then you might need to consider repairs. However, there are some cases where your best option will be to replace the old windows. Repair or Replacement If you identify any damage when you are inspecting the windows, then you are going to need to decide whether it is worth it to fix them or if it is time to get them replaced. In some cases, repair can be a good option because it will get you more time out of the existing windows, but much of the time, the fix will not last long. You may have to revisit the same problem again the next year or find that you have to replace them before long anyway. While it may seem like the more cost effective option to spend less and get the repairs, in the long run, this could cost you more money. As an additional benefit, you can get windows that are more energy efficient and this will save you money over time. If you need help getting your windows clean or cared for, contact us today. We can get all of the windows in your home clean and help to ensure that your house is ready for the fall.

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