How to Insulate Windows to Conserve Heat

We know you love staying indoors on a chilly day, just enjoying your personal time reading a book or catching up on your favorite TV show. However, an environment that is too cold is unpleasant. The last thing you want to do is wear layers of clothing at home.

A large portion of heat loss is due to windows, but they’re also an important part of your home because they keep the house cross-ventilated. The best thing to do is insulate them to prevent cold air from entering and still appreciate your “me time” indoors. Continue reading to learn tips on how you can start insulating your windows to conserve heat.

Use Curtains to Keep Heat In

Curtains are one the cheapest ways to insulate windows. Before modern insulation solutions arrived on the market, curtains have helped households restrict cold air from entering their homes. You can use curtains made of heavy fabric or an insulated window curtain. These types prevent heated air from escaping your home by creating a tighter air space for cold air to seep through.

You can hang more than two curtains together to create a sleek layered look that effectively keeps heat in. You can also use blackout curtains that reduce heat loss through the window by a fourth. As a bonus, they also reduce noise pollution by almost half.

Try Weather Strips to Control the Temperature

Weather strips are also a great way to insulate your windows because they seal gaps around them, making your home warmer. There are various types of weather strips, such as foam and V-type. This is the difference between them:

  • Foam Weather Strip or Foam Tape

The foam weather strip or foam tape comes in different sizes, which makes it ideal for irregular-sized cracks. It has an adhesive backing on one side and is commonly used for the top and bottom parts of window sashes. The foam strip is also the easiest weather strip to install.

  • V-Type Strip or Tension Seal

The V strip or tension seal is made of durable plastic or metal folded into a ‘V’ shape that springs open to bridge gaps. It is commonly used for sealing the sides of sliding windows and double-hung windows. It is also easy to use because you just have to cut to the desired length with a pair of scissors, peel, and then stick it to your window.

Apply Insulation Films to Your Windows

Another way to insulate your window is by using an insulation film, which is an item that looks like a food wrap. It creates a barrier between the interior of your home and your windows. These films can be bought from hardware or home repair stores.

Window insulation films are cheap but highly effective in conserving heat at home. They come in kits that include a plastic shrink film that is applied to the indoor window frame using double-sided sticky tape. You can use a heat source, such as a hair dryer, to shrink it and remove wrinkles.

Purchase Insulated Windows

Instead of using insulation products, you can also purchase insulated windows for greater temperature control that prevents cold air from entering your home. Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI is a locally owned business that offers high-quality insulated products from top manufacturers. We carry insulated windows and doors from Owens Corning, Knauf Insulation, Insulation Materials, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate.

The Best Windows for Cold Climates

One of the best ways to stay warm and cozy during wintertime is by investing in the right windows. Even if you have a perfectly functioning HVAC system, the wrong window type could force your equipment to work harder to keep the temperature in your home at optimal levels. This will leave you with high energy bills.

 When choosing the best windows for cold climates, you need to consider several factors to keep your home comfortable. Here are some characteristics that are perfect for homes in areas like Viroqua, WI:

 The Best Windows for Cold Climates

One of the best ways to stay warm and cozy during wintertime is by investing in the right windows. Even if you have a perfectly functioning HVAC system, the wrong window type could force your equipment to work harder to keep the temperature in your home at optimal levels. This will leave you with high energy bills.

When choosing the best windows for cold climates, you need to consider several factors to keep your home comfortable. Here are some characteristics that are perfect for homes in areas like Viroqua, WI:

Windows With Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass, or Composite Frames

An excellent place to start when choosing windows is the frame material. Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite are great at maintaining optimal temperatures all year round. Wood with vinyl cladding is also ideal because wood holds heat best while the vinyl protects the wood.

Windows With a Low U-Factor

To make sure your windows effectively prevent heat loss, look for ones with a low U-factor or insulation value. This determines how well a window stops heat from escaping or entering your home. For the best insulation, look for the lowest possible rating. You can also check the U-factor requirement applicable in your area.

Windows With Multiple Glass Panes

If you’re looking for ways to better protect your home from the cold, you should opt for windows with more than one glass pane. Double- or triple-pane windows are suitable because they hold heat well enough to keep your abode warm and comfortable. These windows can also be insulated with gas in-feels like krypton and argon, which slow down heat transfer.

Windows With a High SHGC Rating

Select windows with a relatively high SHGC or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating. This measures how well they block heat from the sun. The rating ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 allowing no solar heat and 1 permitting maximum solar heat. A higher SHGC rating will help provide your home with natural heat even during winter.

Windows With a Low Air Infiltration Rate

When air leaks around the frame, the temperature in your home will decrease. This will force your heater to compensate. To avoid that, the best windows to get are ones with an air infiltration rate of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.

Windows With a Low-E Coating

If you want to minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light passing through your windows without compromising visible light, choose panes with low-E coatings. These coatings are thinner than human hair and can conduct heat back into your home. They are also known to improve the thermal efficiency of a window.

Find the Perfect Windows for Your Home

If you’re looking for quality windows that suit your needs and style preferences, we can help you at Nuzum Building Supply in Viroqua, WI. We offer quality products from the most popular name brands and provide superior service that has been trusted since 1894. Call us today to get free quotes and estimates. We will be glad to help you!