Winter is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it’s also the most costly. Between holiday presents, huge family dinners, and increases in energy bills, it can seem a bit overwhelming. Not to mention the U.S. Energy Information Administration is predicting a 20 percent increase in spending nationwide for heating oil, 3 percent for electricity, and 5 percent for natural gas this winter.
Thankfully there are a few ways to cut down on energy costs so you can spend more money spreading holiday cheer.
Step One: Install Window Insulation Film
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to maintaining the temperature of your home, consider Thinsulate window film. During the winter, window film helps insulate your windows to keep heat from escaping through glass surfaces. It also keeps your home cool during the summer months. This helps mitigate thermostat wars and can keep costs down by about forty percent.
The upfront cost of window film may be more expensive than drapes or blinds, but it is sure to save you more money in the long run. 3M Thinsulate window film comes with a lifetime warranty that covers cracking, peeling, and bubbling as long as you own your home. It’s also installed by professionals to save you the hassle of yet another DIY project.
Window film installations are not only a wise investment, but also serve as a thoughtful gift for the holiday season. To learn more about window tinting, contact us and receive a free estimate on your installation. Ask how you can save $100 on your first 8 windows!
Step Two: Seal Windows & Doors
In addition to installing window film to the glass, you should seal around the edges of your windows and doors with heavy-duty weatherstrips. This low-budget solution will insulate your windows for two to three years and keep bugs from creeping in.
To install weatherstrips on windows:
- Open your windows and clean the stops with warm, soapy water. Allow your window to dry completely
- Peel the weather strips apart to create two individual seals. Measure and cut the strips to fit around the tops, bottoms, and sides of your windows.
- Remove the backing and attach the adhesive layer to your window frame.
These seals work year-round to moderate the temperature of your home and can be easily removed. Please note that this may add a small amount of resistance when opening windows.
When installing weatherstrips under doors, be sure to wash the base of both sides of the door. Once you’ve measured and cut your seal, peel off the film and apply the sticky side of the strip to the bottom of the door. Make sure it touches the floor and does leave a gap. Note that weatherstrips may snag on carpets, so beware of this potential tripping hazard when opening and closing doors.
Step Three: Add Curtains and Blinds
Window insulating film is the ideal solution due to its functionality and reliability. Unlike curtains or blinds, 3M Thinsulate film allows natural sunlight to fill your home while conserving heat and reducing energy costs.
But if you experience particularly harsh winters, heavy curtains and insulating blinds can help you save additional money on your electric bills. Eclipse curtains have a thick, thermal coating sewn inside of them. While this is perfect for insulating windows and reducing energy usage, these curtains do not allow any sunlight to stream through and can make your home very dark.
If you’re looking for a curtain or blinds product that will still allow some sunlight to peek through while keeping you warm, visit your local hardware store to view their selection of insulating blinds. Most range from $35 to $70 per window.
To retain the most heat and save the most money on your energy bills, we recommend installing all three of these solutions (window film, weatherstrips, and thick window coverings.) We also understand the winter can make an impact on mental health as much as your electric bill. To combat issues like seasonal depression, we recommend getting as much sunlight as possible, staying active, and consulting professional help as needed. We hope you have a wonderful, warm holiday season!
PA Window Tint is celebrating 50 years of service to Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. Give us a call to learn more about the benefits of window film and we’ll pair you with one of our knowledgeable representatives. PA Window Tint is offering you a free estimate and $100 off of your first 8 windows ( minimum of 100 sq ft ) until December 31, 2018. Make the smart move and save money on your electric bills this winter with PA Window Tint!