How to Fix Drafty Windows – Installation Tips to Promote Window Efficiency

If they are poorly installed, even the best windows can be drafty. Follow these tips before and after purchasing and installation to get the most out of your windows:

– Maximize your home efficiency by sealing all of the gaps where air can leak in or out of your house. Preventing drafts will reduce your energy bills and make you more comfortable. Learn more in this video:

– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you try to take short cuts, the manufacturer may void your warranty.

– Choose an installer that is certified by the manufacturer. You should always “do your homework” by conducting interviews of and asking for references from contractors prior to hiring.

– Protect yourself from lead exposure. Houses built before 1978 probably contain lead-based paint. A lead professional can locate lead-based paint sources in your home. As of April 22, 2010, under new EPA rules, lead-sage work practices must be followed to prevent lead dust hazards.

– You can boost your energy savings by selecting the right type of windows for different sides of your house. For example, south-facing walls should have windows with a higher solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and a low U-factor to reduce eat lost. North-facing walls get less direct sun, so windows for these walls should have a low U-factor to minimize heat loss.

– If you are planning a major addition or building a new home, orient windows to the South and properly size roof overhangs. You should keep west-facing windows to a minimum; this will prevent overheating when the sun dips lower in the late afternoon.

– During installation, minimize window condensation by insulating the space between the window frame and the rough opening. After insulation, use window treatments that permit air flow over window surfaces and manage your indoor humidity with dryer vents and bath and kitchen fans.