Even if your home windows seem to function well and provide a great view of the yard, there’s always a chance that they aren’t properly insulated. Air leaks, weak glass, and other factors can allow indoor and outdoor air to pass through the barrier, resulting in energy loss. In the summer, this inefficiency may have you running your air conditioner longer to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. To keep your home energy-efficient, here are three simple, yet effective upgrades for wood or vinyl windows that can help keep the summer heat outside.

3 Ways to Insulate Your Windows During the Summer

1. Add New Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is an affordable rubbery material that can be installed around the edges of doors and windows to keep air from passing through. Before installing, make sure all old and loose weatherstripping is removed and that all surfaces are wiped clean. In addition to adding weatherstripping, you may also need to re-caulk gaps along the frame to stop stubborn air leaks. 

2. Block the Sun With Window Treatments 

During the day, the sun’s light can penetrate your windows’ glass and heat the interior of your home, making it more difficult to maintain a cooler temperature. Fortunately, many stylish treatments can provide an extra layer of defense between windows and the sun, such as shutters, privacy films, blackout curtains.

3. Install Energy-Efficient Panes

If you have older wood or vinyl windows, there’s a good chance that they might not be delivering the level of energy-efficiency you need to maintain a cool and comfortable home this summer. Fortunately, there are many replacement windows available to give your home the efficiency it deserves.

For example, Soft-Lite® triple-pane windows offer enhanced energy performance in several ways. The three panes feature low-emissivity coatings to prevent the transfer of thermal heat. The space between each pane is filled with argon gas molecules that help inhibit hot and cool air from passing through the barrier. These products also feature foam-insulated frames to eliminate drafts around the window.

When you want to enjoy a cooler summer inside without the high energy bills, Windows Plus is here to equip your home with products designed to shield against the summer heat, as well as the winter cold. Serving the Cincinnati, OH, and Northern Kentucky regions, this door and window company offers a wide range of energy-efficient solutions, including the Energy Star® award-winning triple-pane system from Soft-Lite. Stocked with both wood and vinyl windows, this retailer also makes it easy to find replacements that are stylish, durable, and low-maintenance. To learn more about their inventory, visit this supplier online. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation to discuss installation, call (513) 272-2222 to reach the Cincinnati location or call (937) 949-0009 to speak with the Dayton team.