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7 Tips on How to Make Windows More Energy-Efficient

| October 23, 2024

If you live in Ontario, you’re undoubtedly well-versed with its hot summers and harsh winters, so we’re not surprised you want to learn how to make windows more energy-efficient. After all, this can save you a lot of money on energy bills and help you feel more comfortable in your own home. This is why we’re here to help! Our guide provides some tips for making windows more energy-efficient – from reapplying caulk to installing thermal blinds and replacing your windows. Read on to learn more!

Key Takeaways

  • Regularly inspect windows and reapply caulk and weatherstripping if they appear damaged.
  • Installing energy-efficient window inserts or insulated window coverings, as well as upgrading to double-glazed windows significantly enhances insulation and reduces energy costs.
  • Low-E window films and exterior shutters and awnings can further improve a window’s energy efficiency and help you feel more comfortable.

1. Reapply Caulk or Weatherstripping

Caulk and weatherstripping only last approximately five years – or ten years if they’re high-quality and the windows have been installed correctly and maintained regularly. So if you notice drafts around windows or cracks around the window frame and if the caulk and weatherstripping appear damaged, it’s best to reapply them as soon as possible.

You should apply caulking only on stationary window parts – for example, around the window seams. Weather stripping, on the other hand, is used for movable window parts.

Avoid applying caulk on weep holes and above the frame – sealing these window parts can lead to further damage. Make sure to buy high-quality, durable caulking materials; otherwise, you may have to replace it more often. You can use acrylic latex caulk for interior window parts and butyl rubber caulk for exterior window parts, as it’s more durable.

When it comes to weatherstripping, you can choose the product based on where you need to apply it. A tension seal, for instance, is best for the tracks of double-hung or sliding windows.

2. Install Energy-Efficient Window Inserts

Window inserts can help reduce heating and cooling costs without requiring full window replacements. These are custom-made window additions that fit snugly into the existing window frames. In addition, they can also decrease outdoor noise, so if your house is in a noisy neighborhood, you’ll be happy with your purchase! Some inserts also have UV protection properties.

Installing a window insert is relatively easy and quick. It can often be completed within minutes – so you’ll enjoy the benefits of improved insulation and reduced energy bills almost immediately.

In short, installing a window insert can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency, lower your energy bills, and help you feel more comfortable in your house. Nonetheless, it’s definitely not a long-term solution if your windows have already exceeded their lifespan. Eventually, you’ll still have to replace the old windows.

3. Add Low-E Films

The Low-E film effectively blocks harmful solar rays and reduces solar heat gain. This can help maintain cool indoor temperatures during the summer. Applying Low-E window film can also protect your furnishing against fading caused by UV exposure, as it blocks over 99% of harmful UV rays.

Low-E film is similar to Low-E coatings, which you may have already heard of, except that it can be applied without replacing the entire window. Low-E coatings, on the other hand, are applied to the glass when it’s manufactured.

While solar window film is effective, consider potential drawbacks – it may void your windows’ warranty, for example.

4. Buy Insulated Window Coverings

Insulated window coverings improve energy efficiency, enhance home comfort, and serve as a decor improvement! Since there are so many options available on the market, you can play with styles and colors to achieve the design you have in mind.

For example, Magic’s thermal blinds (which improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40%) can be paired with some curtains or thermal drapes for increased insulation. You can also install our retractable Solar Shades, which allow you to control how much heat enters your house.

Or you can install cellular shades, which are designed to trap air thanks to their honeycomb-shaped cells.

5. Install Exterior Shutters and Awnings

Did you know that exterior shutters can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%? And let’s not forget about awnings – can you imagine that they can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65%?!

Besides contributing to energy savings, these additions can enhance your home’s design and curb appeal and potentially increase property value. If equipped with shutters and other insulating materials like window films, your windows will be the most energy-efficient in the neighborhood!

Furthermore, exterior shutters can ensure privacy and allow you to control how much light enters your home. For example, you can close the shutters at night for better sleep, open them to ventilate the room in the morning and allow sunlight in, and close them in the afternoon to keep indoor temperatures steady.

On the other hand, exterior shutters are more expensive than other energy-efficient window solutions, but they’re a long-term investment.

Awnings do not offer the same degree of privacy or light control but they can definitely help protect your windows from direct sunlight. You can choose between stationary and retractable awnings, the latter being more expensive but adjustable.

6. Upgrade to Double-Glazed Windows

Upgrading to double-pane windows (or even triple-pane, depending on where you live) is the best option for improving your home’s energy efficiency. However, it’s also the most expensive option. Therefore, we recommend replacing the windows only if the existing windows are at least 15-20 years old and have visible structural issues.

But why do these windows take the lead when it comes to energy efficiency? Well, double-glazed windows are Insulated Glass Units. This means they have two glass panes separated by a layer of gas (argon or krypton) between them that serves as insulation. Furthermore, these glass panes are separated by warm-edge spacers made from low-conductivity materials. They are responsible for minimizing heat transfer through window edges. Furthermore, the glass can be equipped with Low-E coatings, which are crucial in improving a window’s energy efficiency.

The same goes for triple-pane windows, except that they have three glass panes instead of two and, therefore, two layers of insulating gas fills. On the other hand, triple-glazed windows are much heavier than standard windows and, thus, more expensive. This is why homeowners usually go for double-glazed windows and add some thermal window treatments. For example, Magic’s double-glazed windows with our Thermal Blinds are even more energy-efficient than triple-pane windows.

If you decide that your windows need to be replaced, don’t stop looking until you find the most energy-efficient windows, even if they cost more. This is a long-term investment, and it’s a good idea to get the best products on the market to avoid spending money on repairs or replacing the windows sooner than expected. In this regard, you should check the windows’ NFRC and Energy Star Labels, which show their energy ratings.

You can find Magic windows’ energy ratings here.

Replacing or Retrofitting?

Before choosing replacement windows, ask the manufacturer if a retrofit project is possible. This can usually be done if the existing window frame isn’t damaged and can withstand double-glazed windows, which are heavier than single-pane windows.

7. Consider Installing Storm Windows

Storm windows are an excellent option for improving the insulation of your existing windows without replacing them.

These extra windows are installed over your current windows, providing an additional layer of protection and insulation. You can opt for exterior or interior storm windows. A storm window can lead to similar energy savings as a new window, potentially lowering your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%. Low-E storm windows, in particular, can reflect solar heat 35% more effectively than traditional clear glass storm windows.

Given that storm windows are more budget-friendly than replacing the windows altogether, it’s an excellent solution to improve energy efficiency.

On the other hand, this solution can affect your window’s Visible Transmittance, meaning how much light enters your home. In addition, storm windows require regular maintenance and are more difficult to install than window inserts, for example, so you may have to rely on professional installation.

Is It Time to Replace Your Windows? Contact Magic!

Making your windows more energy-efficient is, without a doubt, a smart investment that can lead to significant cost savings and a more comfortable living environment. If your windows aren’t that old, you can rely on budget-friendly methods to improve their insulation. On the other hand, if it’s been more than 15-20 years since you’ve replaced them, it may be time to consider buying new window units.

Thanks to our innovative frame technology and revolutionary hardware system, Magic offers you the possibility to install the most energy-efficient windows tailored specifically for the Ontario weather. In addition, given that we brought glass production in-house, we can use the best-performing insulating materials. All you’ve got to do is book a free consultation with us, and we’ll take it from there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make windows more energy-efficient?

You can make windows more energy-efficient by replacing the weather stripping or the caulk if they’re damaged, installing window inserts or thermal blinds and curtains, or upgrading to double-glazed windows.

How to make windows more energy-efficient in the summer?

To make windows more energy-efficient in the summer, consider installing thermal blinds, curtains, shutters, or awnings, applying Low-E film, or upgrading to double-glazed windows.

How to make a single-pane window energy efficient?

To make a single-pane window energy-efficient, you can apply caulk and weatherstripping, add insulation film, or install thermal blinds. It may also be possible to upgrade to double-glazed windows through retrofitting – a budget-friendly alternative to window replacement if the frame isn’t damaged.

Why is it important to inspect and seal window seams?

If you inspect and seal window seams regularly, you’ll prevent drafts and air leaks. This way, you can improve your window’s insulation and avoid structural issues.

How does solar window film improve energy efficiency?

Solar window film significantly improves energy efficiency because it blocks harmful solar rays, reduces heat gain, offers UV protection, and minimizes glare.

What types of insulated window coverings are most effective?

Cellular shades, blackout curtains, and Magic’s thermal blinds are the most effective insulated window coverings. They block cold drafts and significantly reduce heat loss, enhancing energy efficiency.

What are the advantages of installing a storm window?

Installing a storm window offers excellent insulation and reduces heat loss.

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