Your Ultimate Guide On How To Winterize Windows In Winter 

Winter is the most awaited season of the entire year. It’s a season of festivities, joy, reunion, and vacations. But, one of the cruelest things that come with winter is its icy and frigid winds. This freezing air targets everywhere to infiltrate the space, which makes your home drafty, and uncomfortable. Most importantly, it shoots your utility bills as the furnace works overtime to heat up the place.

There are many forms of window treatment solutions that help fight against these drafts and raise utility bills. If you insulate your windows for the winter season, it will give you the biggest return on investment every year. Winterize windows solve a large portion of the challenge, and create a warm, energy-efficient home.

How to insulate windows in winter?

There are many ways you can insulate the windows for winter, but we have curated a list of the most popular options:

Weatherstripping

It helps seal the windows and is made of foam, rubber tubing, or rigid gaskets, which helps to create a barrier against the cold air. It is one of the most common methods of weatherproofing windows during winter and comes in various forms. From self-adhesive backings to magnetic setups, you can choose the one that compliments your home’s aesthetics.

The weatherstrippings are affordable, easy to apply and help address drafty sashes too. However, once applied, one cannot change the aesthetics, or address the cold panes that instantly cool the inside air.

Caulking

it is another solution to seal the windows during winter. Some windows are old enough that the caulk around them has been damaged and shrunk. It creates a gap via which the cold air slips inside. Re-caulking is the option in such situations. However, you may need to remove the old caulk with a screwdriver, putty knife, or other tools before reapplying the caulk. Also, choose the compound carefully, as not all the materials are suitable for outdoor applications. Also, the temperature needs to be above 45 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve the best results.

Caulking is also an easy, cheap, and alternate solution to address cracks. However, it can get messy, and may damage the frame while removing the previous winter’s caulk. Therefore, make sure you apply the caulks before winter sets in.

Draft snakes

One of the simplest forms of winter window coverings is a draft stopper, popularly known as a draft snake. It is nothing more than a long sleeve filled with dense materials like dry rice. Many people make a home in old socks and sweatpants, and draft stoppers are enough to block a small amount of air from the outside. However, it is not entirely effective due to the bottom edge of the window. On the positive side, draft snakes are easy and cheap compared to other types of weatherproofing.

Draft stoppers are also cheap, easy to apply, easy to remove, and offer amazing designs. However, they only work well at the base of the windows and don’t offer an airtight finish.

Motorized window treatments

These window treatments help streamline the process of opening and closing the shades or blinds throughout the day. The best thing about these window treatments is you can program them to open and close at a pre-scheduled time. You can maintain optimum energy efficiency even when you’re not at home. Set your window shades and blinds ahead of time, and arrive at a comfortable, cozy home after a tiresome day. Above all, the motorized blinds in NYC make your home look lived in even if you’re enjoying your vacation in some other country.

How to upgrade to energy-efficient windows?

Winterization comes down to energy efficiency. Sealing, caulking, weatherstripping, and locking the windows – all contribute to keeping your windows operating at peak efficiency in the cold, chilling winters.

Over time, you can find that your annual efforts to window winterization is not justified. More drafts and HVAC system work extra to maintain a comfortable temperature. That’s when the energy-efficient windows come to the rescue.

Winter is different in various parts of the United States. There are many energy-efficient windows specifically designed for the cold winters. These windows provide lower U-factors and higher solar heat gain coefficients (SHGF) than energy-efficient windows designed for hot, southern climates. It means that they don’t work efficiently when it comes to insulating winter temps while allowing more sunlight inside for a warm atmosphere around the home.

When heat gain and heat loss via windows contribute up to 25-30% of your heating and cooling energy use, upgrading to an energy-efficient window treatment makes a significant difference. Visit our window treatment company in NYC to get the best energy-efficient window treatment coverings that serve the right purpose throughout the year.

Key points to remember while winterizing the windows?

Winterizing the windows plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient, and warm home throughout the winter season. Start with inspecting the windows for any potential damage. In case you witness any cracks or damaged glasses, get them replaced instantly.

While purchasing a new window, always look out for its R-value. This number symbolizes the window’s resistant power toward heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the product for the winter months.

Check whether the window glass panes are installed correctly or not. Condensation between the glass panels indicates an improper seal on the insulated glasses. When sealed by a professional, the air-filled spacer between these panels reduces heat loss and keeps your home warm.

Connect with the best window treatment company in NYC that can help you fix the seal. If your windows are under warranty, call the manufacturer for a free repair and re-installation.

Check the window frames for any cracks or gaps where cold air might enter. You can notice that the caulk around the windows is damaged, shrunken, or peeling. If so, remove the old caulk with a screwdriver and add a fresh one to seal the windows properly.

Inspect the weatherstripping that runs along the bottom of the windows. Weatherstripping often lasts for 4-5 years. You can replace it when you see visible holes or cracks, or detect air leaking under the window.

Final Thoughts

Winter demands people take extra care of their health, home, and loved ones. Using window treatments like motorized blinds and electric shades helps homeowners to welcome warm winter mornings, and eliminate the icy evening winds. The only thing you have to do is choose the right window treatment company that can offer you the best-in-class solutions and understand your needs, budget, and home aesthetics.

At Stylish windows, the best window treatment company in NYC ensure our clients are heard and understood well before our experts suggest to them the window treatment solutions that compliment their windows, and serve the right purpose.

Connect with us today for more product info.

FAQs

How can I prevent icy wind from entering my windows?

Here are a few things that can help:

• Draught snakes
• Weather strips
• Strategic caulking
• Window insulation film
• Window insulation tape
• Insulating curtains

How to address drafty windows in winter?

• Window draft snake
• Cover the cracks
• Wrap the windows with window films
• Regularize the window panels
• Use interior storm windows and inserts
• Repair, replace, or add a new weatherstripping

How to weatherproof windows for winter?

• Use window insulation film to create an insulating barrier between the interior of the apartment and the windows
• Cover the windows with bubble wrap
• Add thermal curtains to the windows
• Install removable magnetic window insulation
• Use rope caulk to seal cracks
• Add thermal curtains to the windows