Let the Sunshine In...

Most people love to have lots of windows in their homes. Windows make a home bright and cheery by letting the sun shine in, but when winter hits, do you notice a draft of cold air breaking in from your windows? Here are some winter window hints for keeping the warm air in and the cold air out.

First, be sure to check the areas where window frames meet the structure or siding of the house. Plug any cracks or openings with caulking or weatherstripping. Caulking should be used to seal all small cracks on non-moving surfaces, inside and out; and weatherstripping is used on windows (and doors) and other movable parts of the home.

Storm windows can also keep the heat you're paying for inside. If purchasing storm windows isn't within your budget, consider making your own with clear plastic film and a light wooden frame.

Finally, consider the glass in the windows? Ordinary window glass transmits ultraviolet heat rays from the sun. While this sounds great for the winter, remember the summer effects this can have on your air conditioning bill. You can help control this effect in your favor by applying reflective film or by installing low-emissivity (low-E) glass. Low-E glass has an almost invisible metallic coating, either suspended between the two panes of glass on a film, or applied directly to one of the inner panes of glass, reflecting heat while letting light in. But the same coating will also help keep your wintertime heat indoors. Be aware that windows made of low-E glass may cost 10 to 30 percent more than conventional glass double-pane windows.