While you’re out enjoying the beautiful North Bay summer and fall it’s difficult to think about the coming winter. But this is the perfect time to do some maintenance on your windows to prepare for the colder weather.
Rising energy costs actually make this more important than ever. Proper window maintenance can actually save you money in home heating costs and make your current windows last longer.
Clear Your Windows of Dirt and Debris
Thoroughly clean your windows inside and out. Clean all of your sills and moving parts as well. Dirt, dust and leaves can get caught in your windows over time. Brush these areas clean with a dry paint brush and vacuum up the residue, ensuring that your windows close properly allowing for a tighter seal.
Check for Leaks, Drafts and Damage
While cleaning, do a thorough visual inspection of your windows. Check for cracked and damaged caulking and weather stripping and cracks in the glass that can cause heat loss.
Reseal, Recaulk, Repair Windows and Sills
Replace missing or worn weather stripping around your windows to reduce drafts and leaks. Missing and loose weather stripping can cause serious heat loss.
Reapply caulk or sealant around windows to help reduce potential drafts and leaks. Use exterior grade caulking outside to ensure that it can stand up to our harsh Canadian winters.
Repair any damaged exterior surfaces like wood window sills. This sort of damage may indicate water penetration which can allow moisture to leak into your home. Applying a fresh coat of paint can seal the wood from further damage.
Cover your Windows to Save Energy
If you have older, single pane windows consider using a window insulator kit. These can be found at any hardware store, are simple to install and can prevent frost and condensation from entering your home. These kits include plastic shrink film that is applied to the interior window frame with double-sided tape then heated with a hairdryer to shrink the plastic. This removes any wrinkles and forms a tight see-through barrier.
Adding cellular shades or energy-efficient curtains can also prevent drafts from entering your home.
Replace Your Windows if Necessary
Consider replacing older windows with more energy-efficient, double-paned or triple-paned windows. While this can be expensive, you can reduce your home heating costs over time and new windows can greatly increase the value of your home.
The Government of Ontario has a list of all current Energy Rebate programs that can help reduce your replacement costs. You can also your local energy company, such as Hydro One, to discuss these options.
An Ounce of Prevention Can Save Money
With just these few simple steps you can prepare your windows for our long Northern Ontario winters, save money and have a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
If you find any windows that need replacing or repair, contact Northwood Windows for an estimate. It’s never too late to start work on your windows for the winter – we work in all weather.