Winterize Your Windows: Repair or Replace Home Windows and Save on Heating, Cooling Costs

Oct. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- The record-breaking summer may be over, but with winter around the corner, you can be sure high utility bills aren’t going anywhere.  

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, winterizing your home windows can save up to 10 percent on energy bills right away, and replacing inefficient windows can save up to 25 percent.

Most heat escapes through gaps around windows. Failed sealant, gaps between the trim and the window, and bad window seals are the most likely culprits.

“You can find drafts with a simple trick. Hold a candle near the window on a windy day and watch the smoke,” David Kozlowski of Glass Doctor® of Southeast Wisconsin said. “The more it moves, the worse the draft.”

Once you find the draft, temporarily fix the problem with caulk or weather stripping. Fit older windows that remain unopened with weather stripping to prevent leaks. Be sure to measure the perimeter of the window and add at least 10 percent to account for overlap.

For windows you do open, you can replace the caulk yourself. After replacing the caulk, paint over it to complete the seal and protect the caulk.

“A lot of glass companies want you to believe replacing your windows is the only option,” Kozlowski said. “Glass Doctor also offers window repair, and a new resealing and weatherization program to help save you money in this poor economy.”

If the economy has hurt your stock portfolio, consider an investment with a larger return. Increase your home’s value and permanently fix drafts with replacement windows. Plus, the energy savings help pay for the windows over time.

The most energy-efficient replacement window is the Insulated Glass (IG) Unit. IG Units are multiple-pane windows with insulating gas between the panes. Thanks to the added insulation, IG units help sustain a consistent temperature. In the summer, IG units reduce heat gain, and in the winter, reduce heat loss.

If you already have IG Units, but they appear foggy between the panes, they are not insulating properly. Full-service glass shops can repair or replace bad IG Units, so your home can return to its original insulation factor.

With a hot summer, high heating fuel prices and a cold economy, lowering your heating and cooling costs is more important than ever. Invest in your windows and say goodbye to high utility bills.

For more information or to find a Glass Doctor location near you, visit http://www.glassdoctor.com.

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In addition to replacement services for home, auto and business, Glass Doctor offers custom glass services, such as tub and shower enclosures, entry door glass and mirrors. To find the location in the U.S. or Canada near you, visit www.glassdoctor.com.