Preparing Your Windows for Winter
Canadian winters are cold, and if you have windows that are not sealed properly, it can easily cause your energy bills to skyrocket during the coming months. Preparing your windows for winter can help save you money on your heating costs. It can also go a long way to making your home much more comfortable for you and your family. If you’re looking for a few ways to prepare your windows for the coming winter, here are a few tips you can easily do yourself.
Check the weatherstripping
Take a good look at the windows in your home, and check if the gaps and spaces between the frame and the window are sealed with weatherstripping. If they aren’t, or the weatherstripping is starting to crack or break away, now is the time to replace or fix the damaged areas.
Lock the window
This is a simple step that many homeowners forget about because they often have their windows open for the summer, so they don’t think about locking them. By locking the window, the screen will be secured to the frame and stop any drafts from creeping in-between the screen and the window.
Add insulation
Some homeowners use clear plastic sheets to cover or wrap around the inside part of their windows. There are kits you can purchase at your local home improvement store to do this insulation yourself. The plastic will stop any drafts that come through the windows and keep your home nice and cozy for the winter. It will also prevent any heat from leaking outside through broken seals around the windows, which will save you some money on heating costs.
Seal around the windows
If you notice a significant draft in one area, you can easily seal up the window with some caulking in the affected areas. There is also some insulation tape and foam you can purchase for larger holes if you have them around the frame.
Check the frames
The changes in temperature from warm to cold and warm again can cause the window frame to warp over time. Make sure there aren’t any significant cracks or damaged areas on the frames of your windows. If there is a lot of warping, you can tell by checking the corners of the frames.
Check the humidity levels in your home
Warm air contains much more moisture than cold air, so when the warm air inside hits the cold windows, you may notice some condensation on your windows during the winter. By turning your thermostat down just a couple of degrees, you can easily prevent condensation from building up on your windows, but your home will still feel just as cozy.
While you’re preparing your windows and other areas of your home for winter, now is also a great time to make sure that you have the right home insurance and that you are getting it for the right price.
To learn more about your home insurance options, contact ICD Insurance today.