Are you looking for ways to improve on your energy bill without getting new windows? There are many small ways to improve the energy efficiency in your home without completely replacing your windows. Here are some money saving tips for retaining heat in your home.
Invest In Vertical Louvres
Vertical louvres are vertical lengths of material that form a blind. They can be put together out of aluminiums or fabrics, depending on your requirements. Blinds can help you to retain heat in your home, and also help keep your house cool by absorbing direct sunlight. Vertical blinds are versatile and can be left open or closed depending on the time of day. They work by preventing heat transfer from the cold air by the window and the heat inside your home (or vice versa). Drawing blinds at night can help reduce your energy bill by up to 15%.
Curtains
Curtains work in a similar way to blinds, with the exception that they are made out of full rolls of fabric, and therefore can either be fully open or fully closed. Curtains can come with a layer of thermal insulation in some cases, which can make a huge difference to heat retention in your property. Blackout curtains can also provide a layer of additional insulation as well as they add an additional barrier between the air around the windows and the air inside the home.
Check The Sealant Around Your Windows
If your window sealant is damaged, air can enter and escape your property. This can make your home less energy efficient and ultimately impact your energy bill. You can check your sealant by getting close to the windows and seeing if you can feel a draught from anywhere around the window seals. If you do, you can use a waterproof mastic around the inside and outside of your property. This can help retain heat and prevent drought without completely replacing your windows.
Consider Triple Glazing
Is your double glazing getting old? Triple glazing is an option for improving the energy efficiency in your home without investing in new windows. You will need to weigh up the cost of both the windows and glazing to decide whether it is worth it. Triple glazing is the installation of another layer of glass over your original windows. The way it is installed depends on your current window type (casement, sash, or fixed pane). A trained professional will be able to advise if triple glazing will help your energy efficiency.
When Is It Worth Getting New Windows?
If your windows are leaking, warped, or letting in excessively cold air, you should definitely invest in new windows. The above suggestions are not solutions for irreparably damaged windows. You may also find that if your energy bill is tremendously high, new windows might save you a lot of money over time. After installing new windows, curtains and blinds can additionally improve your energy efficiency and help you bring that energy bill down even further.
