Windows are one of the leading sources of heat transfer in Indianapolis homes. In the summer, this means that a lot of heat leaks through your windows, warming your home and driving up your air conditioning bills. This is especially true with older windows, though even the best new windows allow for some heat transfer, too. Here are some strategies you can use for insulating your windows against this Indianapolis summer heat.
If your windows have become a bit loose in their frames, warm air may blow in between the sash and the frame. This is easily fixed with a package of rope caulk from your local home improvement store. Use your fingers to press a long stand of caulk into the groove between the sash and the frame. If you ever need to remove the rope caulk, all you have to do is pull it off from the end.
Bulky fleece or felt curtains may seem like winter decor, but they’re a good choice in the summer, too. Any heat that is transferred through the windows will get trapped between the window and the curtain rather than becoming distributed through your home. Leave the curtains closed when the sun is at its brightest, and open them in the evening when it’s cooler if you’re craving a bit of sun.
If you don’t like the look of heavy curtains, try using cellular shades instead. They hang down over your windows and incorporate multiple cells. Air gets trapped inside the cells, acting as a buffer between the warm window and your room.
Renewal by Andersen offers Low-E glass replacement windows, like our SmartSun glass windows, which are a good choice if you’re due for a window replacement. The coating lets light through but reduces the transfer of heat through the glass. Though there are aftermarket low-e coverings available that you can press onto your current windows, this can be a hassle, and the end result may not be as attractive as you’d hope.
Weather stripping is the felt or felt-like material that sits inside your window frame and ensures it fits tightly against your sash. If this material becomes worn, it can let warm air seep in through your windows, even when they are closed. Try insulating your windows against the Indianapolis heat by replacing your weather stripping. This is a rather simple project. Peel the old weather stripping off, using a putty knife or scraper if needed. Then, measure your weather stripping to fit the width of your window, and use a pen knife to cut it to the right length. Apply a thin line of adhesive along the window frame, and then press the weather stripping into place. Let it dry for a few hours before opening and closing the window against it.
If your windows are drafty, loose, or otherwise beginning to break down, replacing them is a good way to keep your air conditioning bills under control. Energy-efficient replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen offer features like triple-pane glass and UV-resistant coatings to keep your home cooler. Contact us to schedule a free consultation; you’ll learn more about insulating your windows and also about the best window replacement options for your Indianapolis home!
