There are a lot of ways to keep your home warm; however, the goal is not just in reaching a specific temperature; it’s about reaching that specific temperature without spending more than you have to.
If you have a thermostat, you can just set it to the temperature range and have it turn on and off as the temperature in your home fluctuates. The better your home is insulated, the less you’ll have to spend to keep it warm (or cool in the summer). Why? Well, because upon reaching the temperature, the heat loss will be a lot lower, and it will take a lot longer.
One of the best things you could do for your windows is to replace them with a newer, better version. Switching to double-glazing windows will save up to $250 per year, which is huge, however, quality windows are expensive. Therefore, you might want to look into an alternative. Here’s how you can do this with windows inserts.
Why inserts instead of window replacement?
There are really only three reasons why you would pick window inserts instead of window replacement.
- The cost is always a significant factor. Window inserts are significantly cheaper than buying entirely new windows. This is what makes them a low-cost alternative to window replacement. So, if your main objective is cost efficiency, the equation is always in favor of inserts over replacement.
- Second, the installation is very simple. You can install window inserts on your own. It’s not that handymen are expensive or hard to come by; it’s just that a lot of people don’t like the extra obligation and the hassle around their homes to be done.
- The next thing you need to keep in mind is that there are some homes where window replacement is not allowed. This is the case with historic homes. You see, in historic homes, authenticity is highly valued, and by replacing windows, you’ll make a huge difference. You just can’t install PVC windows on your Victorian home in the old town.
Now, unless any of these three is the case, you should always go with a replacement.
Choose your windows
The next challenge is to find suitable window inserts for insulation.
- The first thing you need to do is measure your windows. You’ll have to purchase inserts that are of the right dimensions. Take multiple measurements in order to avoid getting these things wrong.
- Then, you need to pick the right materials. Window inserts are usually made from the same materials as regular windows. The material is the most important factor when it comes to the cost of the window, aside from the size.
- You also need to take into consideration the U-factor. This is the effectiveness of the insulation of the insert. The higher the factor, the better the insulation. Just keep in mind that you’re still looking for cost-effectiveness, and price is definitely an issue. If it weren’t, you would be choosing replacement windows right now, not inserts.
- Multiple layers of glass are also a high priority. We’ve previously mentioned the effectiveness of double-glazing windows, and you should aim for this here, as well. Sure, triple-glazing is even more effective, but the effectiveness doesn’t grow linearly or exponentially. They’re more effective but the cost-effectiveness drops.
The rule of thumb is that you should use the same criteria that you would if you were choosing regular windows.
Installation of window inserts
The next thing you need to focus on is the installation of window inserts. First, you need to clean the window frame. Remember, once you insert your window, this area will be inaccessible, which means that the dirt will be sealed. Second, if you’re using any type of adhesive (for instance, a seal), its effectiveness will be lower when applied on a dirty surface.
Keep in mind that just because you’re installing an insert doesn’t mean that the old window is no longer effective or in use. Make sure to seal all the gaps and apply them to the weatherstrip. You can repeat this process after installing these insert windows for maximum efficiency.
Then, you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Window inserts are always simpler to install than regular windows; however, they’re not all installed, handled, or stored the same. A quick research (a read of the manual) will reveal all the information you need.
Once you’re done, test it for effectiveness. This can be as simple as standing next to it and checking if you feel the draft. You can also use a flame/smoke test. Ultimately, you’ll get a subjective feeling of whether the home is easier to warm than before. All of these tests are valid, but you want to be a bit more systematic.
Maintenance
These insert windows usually go on the outside, which means that they might be exposed to all sorts of damage. If you’re in an area with strong storms, chances are that flying debris might damage them. Then again, the thing is that your windows aren’t really that likely to be damaged. Just ask yourself, when were my windows damaged last time? This is the frequency at which these insert windows might get damaged, as well, since they’re definitely not more fragile.
Now, when it comes to cleaning, you have two different approaches. You can remove them in order to thoroughly clean them, but this is really a more difficult (and unnecessary way) to approach the situation. Just clean the external surface, as you would with a standard window, and you’ll be fine. You can do this while cleaning the rest of your property exterior.
Ultimately, you should check them for damage, from time to time, and you don’t have to do it that often either.
Wrap up
The last thing you need to keep in mind is that these window inserts are great at what they do. It’s their job to improve the functionality of your windows in terms of looks and energy-efficiency. They can do that even in areas where (for cultural and historical reasons) a standard window replacement wouldn’t be allowed.
