Heating and cooling bills make up 45 to 50% of your monthly utility bills. You can save money by making a few small changes that will reduce energy usage and make your AC run more efficiently. Here are a few tips for treating windows that blocks a lot of the heat and cold that transfers through the glass in winter and summer.

Install Double-Pane Windows

Double-pane windows have an insulating layer between the panes of glass that reduce heat and cold transfer. In winter, the insulated glass reflects the heat away from the windows and back into the room and in summer, it reflects the sun rays away from the glass preventing heat gain. A bit costly, but well worth the investment in the long run.

Cover Windows with Plastic

In the winter, one way to stay warmer is to cover windows with a heavy sheet of plastic to block drafts and cold air transfer. It is easy to put up, just cut a piece of plastic large enough to overlap the window slightly and secure it to the inside of the window frames with tape or make a wood frame with thin pieces of wood and stapes around the outside of the window.

Make Use of Storm Windows

Storm windows are also effective at blocking cold air leaks. Just attach them to windows in the winter and remove them and store for the summer.

Hang Heavy Drapes

Heavy draperies or curtains will also work if you’re in a bind for money or on short notice. Make sure the curtains fit from top to bottom and side to side. Curtains with rubber backing on them reflect the heat in summer and block the cold in winter.

Install Tinted Window Cling Film

Reducing heat gain through windows in the summer will keep inside temperatures more consistent, which will also save you money and reduce energy usage. Keeping windows covered in summer and winter during certain parts of the day helps a lot to reduce energy consumption and keep warm or cooled air inside the house where it belongs.

Caulk Around Windows and Doors

Window and door frames can be another source for heat loss in the winter. Replace any worn or damaged weather stripping and caulk around door frames. Cracks and gaps in frames allow cold air to leak in which makes your air conditioner cycle on and off more frequently to stabilize the indoor temperature. Stretch a draft blocker or rolled up towel along the bottom of doors to block air leaks there.

Windows can transfer heat or cold, replacing them is recommended but if it is not possible at this time then try the other suggestions as they will work quite well as a substitute in the mean time.

Contact ABA Heating and Cooling for all your home comfort needs. We service and install all major brands of furnace and central air systems and our technicians are NATE-certified. Call to schedule your pre-season tune-ups or AC repair service in Austin.