Sparkling clean windows don't just make your home look spiffy—they can have a significant effect on your energy usage. By keeping your windows well maintained and cleaning them consistently, you'll improve insulation, maximize sunlight penetration, and extend the lifespan of your windows themselves—saving you on replacements.
Sticky windows, costly energy bills, and high maintenance repairs can be draining on your time and money. Clean, well-cared for windows enhance your energy efficiency and lower your monthly utilities. Read on to learn how to save big with regular upkeep.
How Maintaining Your Windows Helps You Come Out Ahead on Your Energy Savings
Maximize Energy Savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for up to 25-30 percent of your home's energy consumption. Caring for your windows will help decrease unnecessary energy waste, lowering the demand you put on your HVAC unit and lengthening its lifespan.
Windows that aren't maintained well contribute to major energy loss year-round. But by performing regular upkeep, you can lower the possibility of air leaks and heat transfer, helping you improve energy efficiency. Grab your supplies and give your windows the cleaning they need, and you could come out ahead on your utility bills.
Increase the Lifespan of Your Windows
When you regularly care for and maintain your windows, they will last longer than if you didn't. As you clean them, you'll spot any issues that pop up early on and can attend to them promptly, making repairs simple and budget friendly. In contrast, if windows aren't well cared for, problems arise and multiply over time, creating the need for costly repairs and increasing your utility bills.
Improve Insulation
Dirt on your windows left unnoticed (and uncleaned) can build up and cause tiny cracks to form around the edges—causing conditioned air from inside your home to leak to the outdoors. This increases utilities, and wears out both your windows and your heating and air conditioning unit quicker. Save money by regularly cleaning your windows and lowering your energy bills.
Boost Sunlight Penetration
Your home will naturally stay warmer (and better lit) when sunlight enters freely through your windows. When windows are dirty, they hinder the passage of sunlight through the glass, and you need to rely more on electric lighting and your heating unit—increasing your energy usage. An added perk of clean windows is that more natural light in your home also boosts moods and overall well-being of family and friends in your home.
Regular Window Maintenance to Increase Energy Efficiency and Improve Your Home's Indoor Comfort Level
Enhance Efficiency by Cleaning Them Regularly
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
Use approved glass cleaner to clean the window surface.
Gently scrub the glass surface with a soft cloth.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Wipe windows dry with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free sparkle.
Keep Maintenance Simple by Repairing Damage Early On
Inspect your windows regularly for cracked glass, damaged frames, and faulty seals.
Repair or replace damage promptly to seal your home and increase energy efficiency.
Optimize window performance by keeping them in tip-top shape.
Minimize Energy Loss with Weatherstripping and Fresh Caulking
Before you clean windowpanes, check windows for areas where caulk is getting old, deteriorating, or missing.
Remove damaged materials and weatherize your windows with caulk to help stop any air from leaking.
Apply weatherstripping and seal any visible gaps or cracks in your window units to enhance energy efficiency.
Add thermal curtains or blinds to boost insulation and lower energy bills.
Help Windows Shut Tighter by Cleaning Window Tracks
If you have casement or double-hung windows, clean their moving parts and tracks.
Cleaning out debris along the tracks helps windows close more securely so indoor air won't leak out—saving you on utilities.
Add Storm Windows to Bolster Efficiency
Storm windows help reduce air movement into and out of existing windows.
Increase indoor comfort level and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Do away with unwanted chilly drafts indoors throughout the winter.
Optimize Energy Efficiency by Replacing Your Windows
Repairing your windows is not a permanent solution to your window problems. If windows are faulty, worn out, or damaged, replacing them with Infinity from Marvin windows is a better long-term solution and will bolster your home's energy efficiency.
Get insulating argon gas in your replacement windows between your panes of glass and increase the comfort of your home interior. This is standard with Infinity fiberglass windows. There are multiple glass packages to choose from with Infinity windows.
Choose low-E coating on your new windows to save big on utilities.
Get a low U-factor for better thermal resistance.
Look for a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). This is a measure of solar radiation admitted through a window. Low SHGCs reduce heat gain in warm climates.
Choose the most energy-efficient windows that work best in your climate.
Get the ENERGY STAR label when buying new windows. Review ratings on the energy performance label from the National Fenestration Rating Council(NFRC) to locate top-performing energy-efficient windows.
Choose Professional Installation
Hire a reputable window contractor with a track record of success (like us) to install your windows to ensure you get the energy efficiency they were engineered to deliver.
Professional installation will position your manufacturer's warranty to be honored should you need it.
Get Beautiful Replacement Windows for Your Georgia Home Installed by a Reliable Contractor
Don't settle for your old windows high energy bills and the low comfort level they offer. At North Georgia Replacement Windows, we exclusively install Infinity from Marvin® Fiberglass Windows, ensuring you get optimal energy savings and consistent indoor comfort. Learn more about how our windows and installation can deliver energy efficiency, value, beauty, and effortless upkeep.
Contact us today to schedule your free in-home appointment or swing by our showroom to experience the Infinity fiberglass difference.
