As vibrant leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, homeowners across Canada prepare for the inevitable chill of winter. At Luma Doors + Windows, we know now is just the time to direct your attention to home insulation, especially at your windows and doors. Proper insulation is the way to go to maintain comfort, enhance energy efficiency, and save on heating bills. Let’s look at how to insulate your front doors, patio doors, and windows effectively this fall so you enter into winter very well-prepared.
Why Insulation For Your Windows And Doors Is Important
Energy Efficiency
Insulation of windows and doors is one of the effective ways of improving the energy efficiency of your residence. As energy costs continue to rise, such insulation can save up to 10% annually on energy bills. Appropriately insulated, your residence will catch more heat during winter months, reducing the burden on your heating system, a factor that could keep energy costs within reasonable limits.
Comfort
Now, imagine snuggling up with a hot drink, far away from the chills of drafts that can seep in through badly insulated windows and doors. Proper insulation helps retain consistent indoor temperatures, making your living space cozier during the winter season. It not only protects you from cold drafts but also provides an ambiance for coziness in your home.
Improved Air Quality
Sealing gaps around your windows and doors not only keeps out the drafts but also prevents outdoor pollutants from entering your home. This is most important during winter months because that is when we are most often indoors. In fact, effective insulation is a plus for better indoor air quality, making a healthy environment for your family.
Techniques for Insulating Windows and Doors
Seal Air Leaks
The first thing to do in insulating your windows and doors is to seal air leaks. Use high-quality weather stripping around the edges of your doors and windows. This material is crucial for blocking drafts, helping to keep the warm air inside where it belongs.
Caulking
Apart from weather stripping, applying caulk around window and door frames might help a lot with insulation. The elastic, waterproof sealant fills gaps and cracks that may cause drafts and loss of energy. A well-sealed window can prevent air infiltration; hence, your heating system will work at an efficient rate.
Installation of Storm Windows
For improved insulation on your windows without the cost of a full replacement, consider storm windows. Storm windows can be installed either as exterior attachments or interior panels; the functionality consists of adding another barrier to cold air. Overall, they tend to perform best in terms of air infiltration and can save you a lot of money from heating bills enda.
Apply Window Films to Insulate Your Windows And Doors
Window films are an inexpensive way to add insulation without necessarily having to make major renovations to your house. They reflect heat into your house during winter, hence making your space feel much warmer. While you can get DIY kits on how to apply window film, professional installation achieves even better performance since you will be guaranteed the film will be properly applied.
Another excellent way to insulate your windows is through the use of insulated or thermal curtains and blinds. This is like any other treatment for windows that will help keep your house a bit warmer by cutting down on heat loss. The purchase of insulated or thermal materials serving this purpose is going to be highly effective, as the available choices are numerous in the market today.
Using draft stoppers at the bottom of your doors is an easy, effective way to block cold air from blowing in. These low-cost fabric tubes block cold air from sneaking into your home and can easily become part of your insulation strategy.
Maintenance: Insulation for Your Windows And Doors
To ensure that your windows and doors continue to be energy-efficient, there is maintenance to be done. Here are some tasks you’ll want to add to your seasonal home care routine:
Check for Damages
Make it a point to check your windows and doors periodically for any damage like cracks, chips, or weather stripping that may be breaking down. Early measures taken at the right time will prevent their growth into costly repairs at later dates.
Clean and Lubricate
Cleaning of the windows and doors is important, not only for appearance reasons but also for functional ones. Similarly, dirty windows impede the workings of any films or treatments you might apply on them, while lubrication of hinges and locks serves to keep these running smoothly.
Check Seals
Check the seals of your windows and doors from time to time. Any gaps or cracks need the reapplication of caulk or a replacement of weather stripping. Proper sealing of the areas is important in maintaining energy efficiency during the winter months.
Choose Luma for Professional Service
Here at Luma Doors + Windows, we strive to provide the best quality, energy-efficient window and door products that will meet all your specific needs. Since they are direct from the factory, be assured you will get the best prices for items that are not compromising on quality at all. With many varieties in every style, there can be just about limitless combinations to choose from. We do know each house identifies uniquely. We provide personal options for windows and doors which will enable you to pick colors, styles, and features that best fit your home. From steel doors and fiberglass doors to a variety of window types, we have got you covered.
Our licensed and trained installers bring years of experience to every project to ensure your windows and doors are installed correctly for maximum energy efficiency. We’re committed to customer satisfaction, making sure your experience with us is as smooth as possible from start to finish.
Beat the winter chills by insulating your home now. Call us today for more inquiries about our energy-efficient windows and doors. Let us help you make your home comfortable and inviting this winter while maximizing your energy savings!