Fall is here and winter is rapidly approaching, which means that the temperatures are about to drop. If you’re living in a drafty home, your heater is probably working overtime to make up the difference. Your home loses heat through the windows 30 percent faster than through the walls. Unless you enjoy massive energy bills, insulating your windows is the way to go.
Here’s how to insulate your windows in Seattle:
- Window film: Window film is an easy way to insulate your windows without changing their look. You can get window film at your local hardware store, which can be installed with just adhesive tape and a hair dryer. It will help prevent heat from escaping your windows, especially if they’re old and you can’t replace them right away.
- Caulking: Caulking is a little more labor-intensive (and can be difficult to get to look smooth), but it’s an inexpensive solution. All you need to do is seal the frame to prevent heat from escaping through the gaps. Your local hardware store will be able to help you find the right caulk for your windows.
- Draft stoppers: If you have drafts coming through the lower frames, a draft stopper (also known as a draft snake) is a smart way to block the cold air. Just place the snake at the bottom of your window. If you have gaps in other parts of the frame, however, this may not be an effective solution.
- Weather stripping: Weather stripping is a semi-permanent solution to blocking drafts, and unlike draft snakes, it can be applied wherever the draft is coming in—that is, both vertical and horizontal gaps. You can buy it in a roll and trim it to fit, then apply it through the ready-made adhesive backing.
- Heavy curtains: Another smart way to insulate your home is to install thick, heavy drapes over the windows. This is also a good way to keep your home cooler in the summer, when the sun warms up your rooms. Choose a material that will block as much light and prevent as much heat transfer as possible.
- Magnetic window insulation: If you don’t want to install regular window film, there’s also magnetic window insulation. This is a great choice if you want to open your windows occasionally during the winter. You simply paint your window trim with the magnetic paint, then apply the film, which holds it in place. If you want to remove it, simply take down the film.
- Bubble wrap: If you live in an apartment and can’t make permanent changes, you can always try bubble wrap. Bubble wrap lets the light in, but the thick insulated plastic keeps warm air from escaping.
No matter how you choose to insulate your windows in Seattle, be sure to stop by Stewart Lumber & Hardware Co. to pick up the supplies you need. We can help you choose the best method to insulate your home windows, whether you’re looking for a permanent or semi-permanent solution. Stop by today to get started.