Greetings Energy Hero's!
Carbon Recall back again bringing you another energy conservation tip to assist you in your quest to achieve a 0 Electric Home.
In our last article, we talked about the benefit of upgrading your indoor lighting to LED light bulbs. This month, we are moving onto the windows in your home.
Believe it or not, but old / poorly insulated windows can cost as much as 10% more on your monthly electric costs, according to the US Department of Energy. Due to poor insulation and air drafts around the windows, you can lose a lot of retained heat during the winter, and gain a lot of unwanted heat during the summer, creating more work for your HVAC system.
Additionally, poorly insulated windows allow a lot of excess noise from the outside into your home!
When we talk about window insulation, what exactly are we referring to? There are several ways to improve the energy efficiency of your windows, and many of these strategies can be implemented together.
1. Replacing old or single-pane windows - This is the easiest place to start. If you know your windows are old or inefficient, start by replacing them to see if this resolves the issue.
2. Weather stripping or sealants - You can purchase a variety of weather stripping materials, such as foam, or use a caulking sealant to see the edges of the windows, preventing drafts.
3. Window Insulation Film - You can improve the overall insulation of your windows by applying a thin film of insulation to the interior surface of the window.
So you have noticed your electric bill is higher than expected, how do you determine if one of the problems is your windows? You can purchase an expensive heat detection gun, or apply some simple observation skills for free. Aside from noticing an air draft around your windows, another tell-tale sign is to check for condensation. Seeing moisture build up on the inside of your windows is a big indicator that there is a temperature differential that needs to be addressed.
If you have reached the decision that you need to apply some insulation to your windows, here are a couple of videos to show you how easy it is to get started!
Window Insulation Application - How To Install A Window Insulation Kit - Ace Hardware
Window Caulking Application - Caulking A Window-How To Silicone Around A Window-How To Caulk Around A Window- Simple & Easy
Interested in taking your home all the way to 0 electric? Contact us today for a customized Energy Solutions Plan!
Until next time Energy Hero's!
Carbon Recall York
Daniel@CarbonRecallYork.com
803-306-6380 (NET0)
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