Windows can be a great portal to the outside world and can help you keep in touch with nature even while you’re at home. However, at the same time, they can also be one of the most significant factors affecting your home’s indoor temperature. This means that during colder months, your windows can determine whether or not your home is energy efficient. In this post, we therefore take a closer look at some of the ways in which you can maximise heat retention and reduce your home’s heating costs during the winter using your windows.
Choosing the Right Windows for Winter Insulation
The process of using windows to keep your home warm in winter starts from choosing the right windows. Different windows offer varying levels of energy efficiency and heat retention, depending on their materials and glazing. For instance, double and triple-glazed windows are the most effective at helping your home retain heat as the layer of inert gas between their multiple panes act as insulators, minimising heat transfer. At the same time, window frame materials such as timber are poorer conductors of heat and will minimise heat loss through your windows to the outside world as compared to materials such as aluminium.
Adding Layers of Insulation
You can also consider installing window panels and storm windows to add a layer of insulation to your windows during the winter months. These additions create an additional layer against the cold air from outside your home, reducing drafts and improving the overall thermal performance of your windows. Storm windows can be installed on either the interior or exterior of your home and are especially crucial for older homes with single pane windows. Other cost-effective additions to your windows that you can also consider include thermal blinds and insulating curtains. Combined with storm windows or panels, these additions can significantly enhance your home’s insulation and comfort during the colder months.
Keeping Your Windows Clean and Well-Maintained
Last but not least, keeping your windows clean and well-maintained is also crucial if you want to reap their full benefits. Dirty or grimy windows can reduce the amount of sunlight that is able to enter your home, reducing the amount of passive heat your home receives. Poorly maintained windows such as those with cracked panes or warped frames can also allow cold air to seep into your home through the gaps, resulting in greater strain on your home’s heating system.
Acorn Window Cleaning are the leading residential and commercial window cleaners in Melbourne. If you’re looking to make the most of your windows, we can help you by ensuring that they’re as good as new. Our expert window cleaners have decades of experience and use specialised window cleaning tools to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the window cleaning process. Contact us today for a free consultation to find out more about how we can help you with all of your professional window cleaning needs!