Windows play an important role in any home. Apart from providing ventilation, it is one area which can help make the house more energy efficient. What matters is it is used properly to ensure it benefits the family members.
Utilizing renewable energy sources are top of mind among many homeowners today. Solar energy is the most commonly used.
In the home, the window is one component that can make use of solar energy but homeowners need to make sure they let in the light only and not the heat. Some families find it easy to replace their old windows in an effort to keep their home energy efficient. But you don’t have to spend much to do this.
The best and cost-effective solution is to refurbish the windows. Here are some useful tips.
Windows need to be double paned, weather-stripped and caulked. This will avoid air transfer that’s a common issue when using single-paned windows that are poorly installed.
Bedrooms need natural light and fresh air, too. So if you’re still building your home, create large windows for the bedrooms so you will have to use less electricity during the day.
Installing skylight at the second floor of your home is also a good idea. Another option is to create a series of windows to move hot air out of the house.
For those who want to replace old windows, the energy-star rated windows are best to use. These will have to be installed by a professional to avoid water or air leakage.
For those who want more privacy and don’t want too many windows around the ground floor, placing the windows high on a wall is a great solution. This will let in light and release hot air that normally goes up.
Photo via energy.gov