Vinyl Windows To Save Energy
January 25, 2010 by Adriana Noton
Filed under Home Family
When wanting to make your home more efficient in its use of energy, there are some big changes that you may need to make, such as changing to vinyl windows, adding insulation or installing a new furnace. There are also some smaller changes that are often handy in making the home more comfortable for you.
Many homes were built before it was common to use insulation in construction. Others may have some, but not the recommended amount of insulation. If you add enough insulation to bring your home to the current recommendation, your home will be easier to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
As older homes were built, wooden and aluminum windows were often used. While wood offers a classic look, it often requires a lot of maintenance and both wood and aluminum windows are often made with only single pane glass. These windows contribute to heat loss from the home and water from the air may condense on the glass, giving opportunity for molds to grow.
Over time, wooden windows can become difficult to open or close and they may need to be replaced. Double pane vinyl windows are an easy choice. They remain easy to open for many years and the insulated double pane glass prevents heat loss and condensation.
If your home had the original or an older furnace, it may be expensive to replace, but newer furnaces are much more energy efficient. Newer furnaces can provide the same amount of heat as the older ones while using much less energy. You may save enough in power that you can pay for the new furnace in the matter of a couple of years.
Your local utility company may offer a free energy audit for your home. The audit is an effective way to find out where your home is loosing head during the winter. You may find some simple changes that help to save you more money and keep your home more comfortable.
Many of the changes recommended by an energy audit can be inexpensive but will stop some of the draftiness of a home. By adding caulking around door and window facings, you can often stop cold air from penetrating your home and making it uncomfortable.
Sometimes it will be recommended that you insulate switches or electrical outlets. These often are sources of cold air that can make your furnace have to work harder to keep your home feeling warm.
Fireplace dampers need to be kept closed when the fireplace is not in use. Additionally, consider installing a fireplace air pillow which gives insulation and helps block downdrafts when the fireplace is not being used to heat the home.
For a lot of homes, the changes that need to be made can be inexpensive. In others, you will need to spend more money and may need to install new vinyl windows or a new furnace to save money. These changes will also help your to feel more comfortable in your own home as they will prevent drafts and cold spots in your home.
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You have suggested that we use more insulation (the recommended amount), but won’t that cost more money? And are furnaces really the best way to go? My old home had a furnace, and it was awful. I’m so glad that my new home does not have one. I just don’t know, in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency, which option is better.