Saturday, November 2, 2013

Well-insulated Windows Help Keep Homes Warm

Winter in Colorado Springs can drop to as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. However, although it is considered to be not as frosty as other Colorado cities, locals will still benefit from having efficient heating systems in their homes. 
 
The problem is, having a furnace or heat pumps in the home may still be a futile exercise if the windows are not well-insulated. Unprotected windows can easily let the cold air inside, and at the same time, let the heat from the heating systems out. For this reason, before the temperatures get cooler, it is advisable that locals seal their windows with caulking product or weatherstripping product. Silicone-based sealants are preferred to seal in cracks in the glass, while epoxy-based sealants work well for wood frames.

In some cases, however, even using the best sealants that money can buy still can't ensure that the windows will be well-insulated. The glass or frame may have numerous cracks or gaps that the sealants can't reach. It may also be that the windows are just simply too old already. For cases like these, it is best to instead rely on window companies to install insulating windows in their homes.

To determine whether windows have a high insulating value or not, homeowners can check the U-factor, which is the industry standard of measurement for thermal conductivity. The lower the U-factor is, the better the windows are in keeping heat inside the home. Fortunately, most new windows now carry the NFRC-certified U-factor information sticker.

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