The New England Homeowner’s Guide to Winter Windows
Are your winter windows ready for the cold? When a major snowstorm hits, people usually think of replacing their windows. Every homeowner asks, “do I need to replace my windows or just have them insulated?” Is there a difference between vinyl and aluminum? This article will clear all those questions up for you.
If you live in New England and want to enjoy the beautiful weather without paying your utility bills through the nose, keep reading to learn how to winterize your residential windows.
What We’ll Cover:
- What are winter windows?
- Types of winter windows
- Frame options
- Glass options
- How to properly seal your windows
- Key takeaways
What Are Winter Windows?
A winter window is a type of window specifically designed for cold climates. It typically consists of a double-pane window with an insulated air space between the panes. This design prevents heat from escaping through the windows and retains heat inside the apartment.
The main purpose of a winter window is to keep your home at a nice, comfortable temperature during excessively cold months.
Types of Winter Windows
When the temperatures dip, your energy cost increases exponentially. That’s why your building needs adequate equipment against cold weather. Keeping the cold out can help cut down on your energy use. That’s why you must replace your existing home windows with new ones that can handle the weather conditions.
Having energy-efficient windows in your home will provide you with more comfortable living spaces and lower energy expenditures.
A window consists of its frame and the glazing (or glass).
Winter Window Frames
To keep your home as warm and cozy as possible during winter, one of the first things you should consider is whether your window frame is in good condition. A high-quality window frame can be a source of energy savings, so you must make it from appropriate materials.
Aluminum frames are not ideal for cold weather climates as they allow your room’s heat to escape quickly through the frames. This flaw can make your heating system work harder than usual. Instead, opt for a fiberglass, wood, or vinyl frame.
1) Fiberglass
Fiberglass is much sturdier than other frame materials like wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Its durability and strength are ideal for homes with heavy weather conditions like snow storms. The air cavities within the structure get filled with insulation to keep occupiers extra warm in winter.
2) Wood with cladding
Wood is one of the best materials to use for insulation. However, it can be challenging to maintain during winter periods. Wood exposed during winter seasons gets damaged after being wet for a long.
Aluminum and vinyl are two materials that you can use to clad wood and protect it from the effects of harsh winters. They provide extra protection against the elements and keep your wood frames from rotting or warping.
3) Vinyl
Frames made from vinyl excel at saving energy costs because it does not conduct heat or cold as easily as other materials. They stop the cold from entering while retaining heat.
Winter Window Glasses
When it comes to window glasses, you should keep these tips in mind:
1) Opt for double or triple window panes
Use a minimum of double-pane windows and triple-pane where possible. Triple-pane glass has three layers that work together to provide better insulation. It is more efficient than double-pane glass. Do not use single-pane windows, especially during winter. They may be common, but they are poor at insulating houses.
2) The air gap between panes
Windows generally have an air gap between two or three panes of glass. The air gap provides extra protection by trapping warm air in between and staving off cold drafts. This precaution helps insulate your home and lower your heating bills too.
3) Use glass coating
The glass coating can be a mix of metallic oxide. A barrier is applied to one or both sides to reflect heat radiation.
How to Properly Seal Your Windows
Replacing windows is one way to get warm when the temperature drops. However, a more cost-effective option is by sealing windows for winter. The following are the most effective ways to seal your windows.
1) Replace cracked glass
Windows take a lot of damage from the elements, so that they can be a major source of heat loss. Properly sealing your windows is a simple way to save money on heating costs.
Cracked glasses are a safety hazard, and cold air can come in, which can cause the temperature in your home to drop. If you have broken panes, you should replace them with new ones.
2) Reinforce with winter window insulation films
Window insulation film offers a barrier between the interior of your house and what’s happening outside. When looking for a window insulation film, ensure that it suits your needs and budget.
To get your winter window insulation kit, consider factors like the insulation thickness and types of material.
3) Fill cracks with caulk
If you have cracks in your walls, cold air can get through them and make it hard for your heater to do its job. Make sure they’re sealed up.
To seal any gaps, use a high-quality silicon-based caulk. Ensure you carefully scrape the old caulk off before applying the new caulk to your windows.
4) Use bubble wrap
Bubble wrap is a good insulation material. By encouraging air to remain in small pockets, bubble wrap serves as an effective insulator.
Use bubble wrap with larger bubbles to keep in the heat. The larger bubbles will keep your home warmer than the smaller ones.
5) Install storm windows
Storm windows are exterior or interior windows mounted to protect a house from extreme weather. You can install them in all windows, but they often appear on windows that need better insulation.
Storm windows are a great investment and can help increase your home’s energy efficiency if your home doesn’t have insulated-glass windows.
Understanding U-Value and R-Value in Winter Windows
As you explore options for winter windows, it’s essential to grasp two critical terms that greatly influence your home’s thermal efficiency: U-Value and R-Value. These metrics are pivotal in determining how well your windows can resist the cold and keep your home warm during harsh New England winters.
What Is U-Value?
U-Value, often referred to as the U-factor, measures the rate of heat transfer through a window. Essentially, it tells you how well a window can keep heat from escaping. In the context of winter windows, a lower U-Value is desirable as it indicates better insulation properties. Windows with a low U-Value have a higher resistance to heat flow and provide better insulation. This is crucial in winter, where retaining heat becomes a priority for comfortable living and energy efficiency.
What Is R-Value?
R-Value, on the other hand, assesses the insulating ability of your windows. Unlike the U-Value, a higher R-Value is preferable as it signifies greater insulation effectiveness. Windows with a high R-Value are more efficient at preventing heat loss. This is especially important in cold regions, as they contribute significantly to maintaining a warm and cozy indoor environment without overburdening your heating system.
When selecting winter windows, it’s important to look for options that have an optimal balance of a low U-Value and a high R-Value. This combination ensures that your windows are equipped to offer the best defense against the cold, keeping your home energy-efficient and comfortable throughout the winter months.
By understanding these values, you can make a more informed decision when upgrading or replacing your winter windows. Not only will this enhance your home’s thermal comfort, but it also contributes to reducing energy costs, making your investment in high-quality winter windows a wise and cost-effective choice for your New England home.
Key Takeaways
Preparing your residential windows for winter doesn’t have to be painful or expensive. Instead, the proper precautions can help you save money over the long term by reducing your energy expenses. You can cut energy costs by sealing windows for winter.
It’s a good idea to think about additional measures you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency, especially because New England’s winters can be so unforgiving.