4 Simple Ways To Maintain And Upgrade Existing Energy Efficient Windows | Dallas, TX
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Your windows are one of the main culprits for heat loss. In fact, about 10% of all of the heat in your home is lost through the windows. It’s easy for heat to escape through open windows, but it’s also easy for them to escape closed windows via diffusion through the glass. It’s ridiculous how much heat can be lost through the windows.
The best way to prevent heat loss and to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home is to install energy efficient windows. Energy efficient windows are especially useful in Dallas, TX because they prevent heat from the outside from entering your home on a hot, summer day. Heat exchange goes both ways, and your AC unit will have to work extra hard to compensate.
Just because you have energy efficient windows, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do even more to maintain or upgrade your windows. Here are several things you might want to consider doing.
#1. Check for Air Leaks
Every year, you should spend some time checking your windows for air leaks. You should do a visual inspection first. Check all of the exterior corners, as they are most susceptible to damage. Then, you’ll want to take a look at the edges. You’ll be looking for obvious signs of damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, the issue may be repairable or you may need to replace the entire frame.
With that said, it can be difficult to detect small leaks. Some leaks are so small that you won’t even notice them; however, that doesn’t mean that air can’t escape. You also want to look for leaks that pertain to only the glass panes. In these situations, you might notice condensation between the panes.
The easiest way to check for leaks is to call a window installation company. The technicians will have the knowledge and the right tools and equipment needed to detect even the smallest leaks.
#2. Caulk and Weatherstrip the Frames
To prevent even a small amount of air from escaping through the windows, weatherstrip the frames. There are many different types of material that you can choose from. Some of the simplest weatherstrips to work with are essentially made of rubber. These strips have an adhesive at the back, and all you have to do is stick the strips into place.
The weatherstrip will also wick moisture and create a tight seal to prevent noise from intruding your home as well. If you live on a busy street, you’ll find that weatherstripping your energy efficient windows can really give you the peace and quiet that you need and deserve. All of a sudden, you won’t be able to hear the traffic that is constantly outside. Your home will feel a lot more peaceful.
#3. Add a Window Film
Energy efficient windows do a great job at improving the overall energy efficiency of your home. If you have triple pane windows, you’ll notice that these windows do an impeccable job at keeping your home at just the right temperature. However, if you want to take some work off the windows, you should consider installing some type of window film on the glass.
There are many different types of window films. Some of these films will block ultraviolet radiation from entering through the windows; however, it won’t have an effect on the amount of light that can enter the room. Ultraviolet rays can damage your furniture. By blocking these rays from entering your home, you can easily lengthen the lifespan of the items inside your home.
Other types of window films also offer some type of privacy feature. From the outside, people either see a black window or a mirror-like effect. By installing this type of film, you can not only improve the overall energy efficiency of the windows, but you can also enjoy a lot more privacy. This is particularly useful for those who live on the ground level.
#4. Install Some Type of Window Accessory
Last but not least, you can also decrease the amount of work that the windows have to do by installing some type of window accessory to the outside of the windows. This includes everything from exterior shading, exterior blinds to awnings. There are so many different types of accessories that you can choose from, and each type and design will add a different element of style to your windows. You’d be surprised at just how different your windows can look.
When looking for window accessories that are to be installed outside the home, make sure that you look for a material that will be easy to clean. You should try to keep these accessories as pristine as possible by washing them every several weeks or even every month. Some of these window accessories can be difficult to install. Fortunately, you can always ask a window installation company to help. They might even have the accessories that you want in stock.
Energy Efficient Windows Are Absolutely Necessary in Dallas, TX
If you live in Dallas, TX, you absolutely should install energy efficient windows in your home as a way to prevent heat from entering your home. The scorching summers can really take a huge toll on your AC units. Having energy efficient windows will also be beneficial for the cooler months, as these windows will trap heat in your home, so you won’t lose as much heat and you won’t have to turn up the heating even more. These windows can really take a lot of pressure and stress off your HVAC system, so you’re less likely to need costly repairs in the future.
For more information on what type of energy efficient windows would be the best fit for your home, contact Energy Window Solutions by calling 972-290-1848. We are one of the top window installation companies in Texas, and our team of specialists can provide you with all of the information that you need to make an informed decision.