The temperature is dropping and leaves are changing colour, last of the year’s lawn mowing; The arrival of fall is near. And, with it comes, a cooler climate which then will come winter and snow removal. While you are getting ready to enjoy the holiday season, there’s more to be done to your home especially on your windows. Here’s are a few tips from Vancouver windows experts on getting your home warm and ready for the colder weather.

Prepare Your Windows for Fall

A point often overlooked is that windows play a major part in heat loss. With HVAC working at peak efficiency, your windows should be in proper condition. If not, the cold air might be coming in, leading to an increase in heating bills.

• Drafts: Drafty windows let the cold air inside. Your heating systems overwork to maintain the optimum temperature. This could cause the heating bills to skyrocket. Caulking is an amazing quick fix to seal your windows.
• Exterior Window Sills: Your window sill should be sloped and properly angled. If not, it could act as a gutter and cause water damage due to accumulation of leaves and debris from nearby trees. To prevent this, ensuring the trees around your home are well-maintained is crucial. Consider consulting Victoria arborists for professional tree pruning and maintenance services. Regular tree care can significantly reduce the likelihood of window damage from overhanging branches, especially during stormy fall weather. Make sure to check your windows seasonally for any signs of damage.
• Window Air Conditioning Units: Remove your window air conditioning unit, and go over for any damage.
• Storm Windows: Do not fit your storm windows until the last possible day. That way, you can enjoy the good weather until it lasts. And, before you fix the storm windows, make sure to check for drafts and any breakage.

Check for Drafts

• Do you see moisture buildup along the edges of the windows or corners?
• Have you ever felt the cold air hit you when you walk by a closed window?
• Do you face difficulty in opening and closing the windows?

Chances are that tiny gaps and cracks in the windows let the draft inside. The first step in getting your windows ready for cold weather is to check for drafts.

Run your hands by the window frame to identify the cold spots. You can also confirm it using a lighter or a lighted candle. The flames flicker in the draft. The easier option is to insulate using caulking and insulation until you can get a professional window weather stripping contractor to come by.

Get Your Windows Fall-Ready

Now that you have identified the spots and gaps in the windows, it is time to get it patched up so that you are safe during winters. Sealing, caulking, and insulating are simple tricks you can do yourself probably over a weekend and keep warm during winter.

Sealing and Caulking

Caulking windows seal out the drafts and are a pretty much simple task. Caulking is a process of applying a thin strip of waterproof sealant around the window frames and the cracks to keep out the draft or moisture. It is best to keep out moisture so it doesn’t damage the interior of your home (ex. within your kitchen, the condensation could affect your kitchen cabinets and cabinet refinishing vancouver could be needed). If done correctly, it blends in with the windows barely noticeable. Make sure to scrape off the old caulk before applying new caulk. Another point to remember is that caulking works better for relatively narrow seams at about ¼” or lower.

An equally good option is the rubber weather sealing. This involves applying self-stick rubber sealing with adhesive on one side. Cut strips of the sealing and affix it to the problem areas. This closes the gaps holds off the draft. Once the summer is on, it is safe to call in your Vancouver window companies and get it sealed once and for all.

Insulating

Would you believe if we say that you are losing heat even after sealing off the draft, especially if you have single-pane windows? Multi Pane is best at keeping the heat in but they are expensive. If you cannot call in for a Vancouver window replacement right now, you can go for one of the below options to reduce your heating bill.

The best option in the time being would be the windows insulation film. It is essentially a plastic film that you apply to the windows with the help of double-sided tape. It creates a barrier between the window and the interior which insulates the window effectively.

One last defense against drafts is the “Thermal Curtains”. These curtains have a thermal lining that traps the heat inside. They cover the entire windows and effectively insulate the apartment. The added advantage is that they also block out the noise. Unfortunately, they also block the much needed natural light.

Standard blinds and heavy curtains also work to an extent. But, we’d always suggest contacting a Vancouver window installation company to get your windows changed to the multi-pane.

Cleaning

When was the last time you cleaned the exterior glass side of your windows? In a few days, your windows would not be accessible for cleaning until the winter has come and gone. This is the best time to take care of the windows. Clean the exterior and interior part of the windows properly with a glass cleaner. For hard to access areas you can hire a Vancouver window cleaning service.

DIY to Save Money

If you are cash strapped and lack the knowledge to purchase and do any of the above. You can go with one of the two methods listed below.

The first option is the shrink-wrap plastic or heat-and-shrink film the most popular method. Cut the film to proportions and stick it to the window pane using a tape. Run a hairdryer over the cling film. This process pulls out the wrinkles and tightens the film against the windowpane. The downside is you have a cloudy window and no proper visibility until the winter is over.

Bubble wrap is another good option; An ugly one at that but works nevertheless. Cut the bubble wrap according to proportions. Fix it to the window, bubble side down with the help of a tape. Visibility is little to none but effective cost-wise and energy-wise.

Except for the last option, the DIY method, the rest require some amount of skill and knowledge. If you lack the above, better go for a Vancouver windows weather stripping contractor and get a professional job done in time for winter. It is important to check your windows each fall to make sure they’re the best they can be for the colder months. But if you’re unsure if you’ll be able to afford it as you get older, talk to a certified retirement planner today to make sure you can for your future.