Energy Windows through Caulking, Weather Striping and Window Frame Replacement

Okay, so you may wonder, are there really such things as “energy windows?” Well, energy windows may also be known as low energy windows and may be defined as windows that can provide maximum energy efficiency. This is, of course, preferably coupled with high cost efficiency as well. So how can one window be energy efficient?

Efficiency of Energy Windows

Windows should not be underrated. Windows can be more than just for the style design of your home or office. Aside from the fact that it can provide a (great) view for you to enjoy, windows permit cost efficiency as it may allow the user to save energy and utilize less electricity. In what way, you may ask? There is a technique called “daylighting” wherein windows are utilized to illuminate a place, thus, eliminating the need for electrical lights at least during daytime. These energy windows give beauty, light, and warmth to your rooms or buildings.

Energy windows may also be utilized to reduce both heating and cooling costs for you. Heat gain and loss can be minimized with the use of energy windows. For example, in rooms with air conditioning, not only will air leak around windows and waste your electricity and money, it will also waste energy as well since energy will also pass through those places.

What to Do with Your Energy Windows

Caulking, weather stripping, and window frame replacement are the typical and less expensive solutions to such problems mentioned above. Caulking is the process of applying airtight compounds called “caulks” to holes and cracks to disallow the flow of air through it. Caulks are most of the time made of silicone or latex that are airtight compounds. The essential thing to keep in mind in applying caulks is to first completely get rid of any paint residue or old caulk on your window with the use of a stiff brush, special solvent, or a putty knife. After completing this, then put the brand new caulk on the holes and crack. The most recommended time to do so is when temperature outside is above 7.2 degrees Celsius or 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Low humidity prevents the cracks from surging with moisture whilst warm temperature allows the caulk to properly form and stick to the window surface it is applied to. That is why the outdoor temperature is very important.

Also, slim pieces of rubber, vinyl, metal, foam, or felt are called weather stripping. These seal the joint where the movable and rigid areas of the window meet. Weather stripping must be flanked by the sash, which grasps the glass of the window, and the window frame. Make sure though that the weather stripping does not get in the way of the window operation. Changing window frames may also be done to help. Different kinds of window frames are casement, single-hung, fixed-pane, hung, hopper, awning, double hung, and horizontal sliding.

The window pane is also a factor for energy efficiency. That is why choosing the right window pane material is also to be of prime consideration. Usually, glass window panes are used. That is why there are what we call the Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, reflective glass, heat-absorbing glass, storm windows, and plastic glazing materials.

One effective way of energy saving with glass window panes is the layering of glass materials since this allows air spaces that also prevents heat flow and allows insulation. However, this method can become a bit less cost efficient.

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