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Winter is here, and it’s time to consider winterizing your windows. When you winterize your windows you reduce the amount of energy allowed to escape your home. You can lower your utility bill by winterizing your windows, even new replacement windows.

At Window World, we realize not everyone knows how to winterize their windows. With that in mind, we’ve created a how-to guide to help you winterize your windows effectively and efficiently.

Get an Energy Audit

When it comes to improving anything, you need to know what deficits you are facing. When it comes to winterizing your windows, you must know what windows need the most improvement.

The best way to learn what windows in your home may be allowing your air to escape is by getting an energy audit.

An energy audit is performed by a home inspector. However, many professionals may offer their services. With an energy audit, your contractor will examine how “tight” your home is when it comes to energy. Homes that are “tight” are well insulated and free of cracks and gaps that could allow your comfortable air to escape.

How-To Winterize Your Windows

The following are the steps you need to take to ensure your windows are draft-free.

Step 1. Apply Caulk to Your Windows

The first step in winterizing your windows is applying caulk along the frame of windows that were drafty. Start the process by removing old caulk. In most cases, you can quickly remove caulk from the entire perimeter of your window by grabbing a loose end firmly and maneuvering around your window’s perimeter. After you’ve removed the caulk, remove dirt and debris so that you have a clean slate when you apply the new caulk. When you are ready to begin, apply a continuous bead of caulk around your window frame. Work diligently to avoid gaps to ensure your caulking efforts are successful.

Step 2: Apply Weatherstripping

The next step in winterizing your windows is applying weatherstripping. You must apply weatherstripping to the sash of your windows. You have a choice between weatherstripping that has an adhesive backing, tubular weatherstripping, and more. When it comes to weatherstripping, the choice is yours. However, you should get the proper size to ensure you have adequate coverage. Additionally, only apply weatherstripping only after cleaning your sashes. Dirt and debris can undermine adhesive.

Step 3. Insulate Your Windows

After you’ve sealed your drafty windows, you can ensure that your windows are snug by covering them with thermal curtains. Thick or thermal curtains or drapes, will further reduce the instance of wind getting into your home.

Replace Old Windows

One of the benefits of winterizing your windows is the ability to assess the state of your windows. If you are like most homeowners, you don’t monitor your windows as you should. As such, winterizing them allows you to thoroughly assess the state of your windows. In many cases, you may discover you need new windows. If you do, don’t bother winterizing them. Instead, invest in new windows to get the most bang for your buck, and then you can winterize the new windows.

At Window World, we are your go-to source for new windows. We offer many energy-efficient windows that not only make your home’s exteriors look great, but they help you reduce the cost of your utility bills. If you discover you need new windows while winterizing your windows in Minnesota, give us a call to set up an assessment. We can evaluate your windows and give you a quote for new replacement windows.