In these tight economic times, it might be more important than ever to reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows. Typically, more than a third of a home’s heat is lost through leaks and drafts that are preventable. Sash windows are among the biggest offenders. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when dealing with this problem.
Sash windows often cause a lion’s share of a home’s heat loss, in part because they are often older than other windows and thus less technologically advanced in design. There are several strategies you can try to abate or eliminate drafts and heat loss around sash windows, and they each have their own pluses and minuses.
One quick and easy solution to drafty windows is to use thick curtains, blinds or drapes. Drapery helps reduce heat loss, but it is less effective than other more comprehensive measures. Also, drapery requires cleaning, possible repairs, and replacement, all of which presents costs to off set any savings in energy costs.
You could also opt to completely replace your drafty windows with new, double-glazed, energy efficient windows. Doing so, however, would cost quite a bit. As expensive as this would be, it would be even more expensive to have custom windows made to guarantee matching your home’s original design.
Another alternative, particularly for old windows, is the application of a new, second glaze. This offers the chance to upgrade the window panes without sacrificing the original design of the sashes and frames. Accompany re-glazing with the removal and complete overhaul of the windows including upgraded sealant and repaired or replaced parts and fittings, and you will be sure to have the best protection against heat loss you can manage.
Upgrading your sash windows may be expensive, but the long term savings in energy costs will far outweigh the one-time repair and upgrade costs. Additionally, resealing the windows will reduce external noise. The upgrade will also add years to the life of your entire window unit through the repair and replacement of worn parts.
There are many ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and you should explore them all. But perhaps the most effective way to prevent heat loss is to tackle the drafts and leaks around your window. The up-front cost might seem like a lot, but in the end, you will find that the savings will far outpace the costs when you reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows.
Get the best sash window insulation company to use by searching online. There you can find secondary glazing London and other areas to consider using. Go online today and learn more.
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