Are you looking to beat the cold and enjoy some energy savings? Ensuring thermal insulation in
windows can be your best bet.
As the weather gets chillier, you might see a draft making its way into your kitchen through the
windows. By using an appropriate method for insulation, your windows can feel more
comfortable and warmer. Insulating your windows with thermal protection can bring you huge
benefits in terms of comfort and money. You can consider it as an upgrade and a great
investment for the long term.
Here is an interesting fact. You can lose around ten times as much heat as an insulated wall’s
equivalent area. In colder months, this huge heat loss can come at the risk of your comfort and
your pocket too as your heater works longer to keep your interior warm. On the flip side, if you
are living in a place that is too sunny, excessive use of air conditioners can result in high
electricity bills. With a thermal insulated window, one can never go wrong. While these
windows cannot be used for turning a bad window into a high-performing one, an insulated
window acts as a strong barrier between indoor and outdoor environments, to keep your home
warm in winter, and cool in summer.
You can insulate your windows in several ways, ranging from basic to complicated, free to
costly, and low-tech to high-tech windows. You can also opt for regular drapes or thermal
shades of the right size and thickness; both will work well. However, that may mean
compromising both visibility and daylight.
Making use of insulating glass units
One of the most streamlined and convenient ways of insulating windows is to use insulating
glass units. This comes in an invisible frame attached to the windowpanes. The windows are
double glazed while the invisible film works as a protective layer.
This makes the heat reflect from the window’s external side, without restricting light passing
from the room. Using insulating glass units will keep your house cooler and warmer, depending
on the weather.
Thermal insulating windows using adhesive films.
Did you know that an adhesive film serves as a thermal filter that protects your home from cold
and heat from coming inside. Similarly, the adhesive film stops heat loss from windows, which
is needed to keep the room warm during cold weather. In addition to this, the adhesive film
stops heat from coming into the room and serves as a solar protector. People use adhesive films
for insulation because it adds an extra layer of glazing to the windows. Also, it is known to
minimize heat loss by 33 % in winter, which makes it a great option.
Weather Stripping Materials
Another great option is the weather-stripping which works to seal the cracks and air leakage
around the fitting. This works well with poor-quality windows that cannot be repaired. Different
materials can be used for weather-stripping such as vinyl, felt and foam. The key is to look for
material that best matches the humid and hot weather, the friction as the frequency of weather
changes. You also have the option to use a combination of materials as per the benefits they offer
in certain areas.
Foam is by far the best material used at the bottom and top part of the window sash. As it is a
relatively strong material, it is more durable and hence, gives more protection to windows.
Further, Vinyl is used to hold the moisture. The track of the window is the best area where vinyl
can be used.
If you have an aluminum window, the fin seal is the best material used. It is expensive compared
to others but works commendably.
Remember that these materials don’t go on the windows, however, they are used for sealing the
areas on the side of the windows. These materials are used either beneath or beside the windows.
Hot and cold air can leak through the room from these areas, and this is why, weather stripping is
essential for window thermal insulation.
Window Inserts
You can install window inserts on the inside of the windows. Window inserts have become a
pocket-friendly option if you think replacing a window can be expensive. They are connected to
the right place with the help of compression tubing, which then creates a tight seal around all
sides of the frames.
What makes it the best is the fact that it does not harm any windows due to their right
installation. Also, as window inserts are made of acrylic, this makes them a viable option.
Having window inserts will not only make your windows energy efficient but also a suitable
environment.
Installing thermal curtains
Installing a thermal curtain is another great option for thermal insulation. Did you know that
these curtains work best to offer a sophisticated look to your windows, while also protecting the
room’s environment? These windows have the versatility to keep the warm air within the room
while restricting the summer heat from penetrating. Thus, thermal curtains can be used all year
long, no matter what the weather is.
Also, while you are on the lookout to buy thermal curtains, be sure to purchase them as per the
right measurements. Your thermal windows must cover the entire window, sideways and up down. Furthermore, thermal curtains not only prevent light from entering the window, but these
thermal curtains can also serve as noise dampeners.
All in all, the above ways of insulating your windows with the help of thermal insulation can
bring several advantages for you. However, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each option
before you make a decision
