Windows are often the least energy efficient part of the exterior of your home, especially if you have older single paned windows.
There are several options for weatherizing and making your windows more energy efficient without replacing them.
photo courtesy of wetape www.sxc.hu/photo/1225430Make Your Windows Air Tight
Make sure your windows have been sealed with caulk or silicone so there are no air leaks.
Window caulk should be inspected every year and anticipate replacing the caulk every 5-10 years.
Plexiglass Covering
If your windows are not able to be replaced (perhaps replacement is not in the budget or they are historic and you don't want to change them), consider adding plexiglass to the inside of your windows.
These plexiglass panels are typically attached to your window frame using magnets.
Ensure that the plexiglass is easily removed in case someone needs to exit through the window in an emergency.
Also make sure that you don't get condensation build up that could damage your home.
Use Window Coverings
Window coverings on the inside of your home will make your windows more energy efficient.
You can use blinds, drapes, shades, or even thermal curtains to cover your windows and keep the cold and heat out of your home.
In extreme weather (very hot or very cold) you can cover the inside of your windows with reflective insulation #ad which is not attractive but very effective at keeping the outside temperature out of your home.
Plant Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees create shade that will keep your windows cooler in the summer, however they loose their leaves that will allow warm sunlight to hit your windows in the winter.
Evergreen trees (trees that don't lose their leaves) are best to plant on the north side of your home to block the cold winter wind coming from the north.
Make sure the tree that you plant is not too close to your home that it might damage your foundation or drop limbs on your roof.
Hardwood trees tend to grow slower but tend to be stronger than soft wood trees. Soft wood trees grow fast but often die sooner than hard wood trees.
If you are interested in planting trees at your home, see the article How to Make Trees Grow Taller Faster.
Add an Awning
Awnings create shade on your windows that will keep them cooler in the summer.
They can reduce the temperature on the outside of your windows by as much as 15 degrees.
Awnings can be constructed using fabric, wood, metal, or most any other material.
Also consider adding an awning to the top of your air conditioner, but not too close so it doesn't affect air flow.
Add Solar Screens
Solar screens are dark colored screens that are attached to the outside of your windows to create shade.
They work well to reduce the heat from the sun from hitting the windows, however they are not always aesthetically pleasing.
Because solar screens can reduce the temperature inside your room by as much as 20 degrees, they are very energy efficient.
Add Window Tinting Film
Window tinting film can be added to the inside of your windows to keep the heat out of your home in the summer.
The film comes in many colors and opacities depending on your particular situation.
You can purchase window tinting film at your local hardware store and install it yourself, or you can hire a company to install the window film.
Window tinting film can be very challenging to get it installed perfectly.
If you have a small window, consider attempting to install the film yourself. If you have a medium or large window, consider hiring a company to install the film for you.
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