How Windows Affect Your Home’s Temperature

Your windows can have a huge effect on the overall temperature in your home. They are the way the sun’s rays enter your home and can cause temperatures to rise drastically. Heat can also escape right out of the window pane in the winter, wasting money on your energy bill. Here’s a look at some ways your windows can help keep the temperature steady in your home the natural way, and end up saving you money down the road.

Air Circulation

Opening two windows at a time allows for cross-ventilation of the room. Breezes from outside can flow through the room, moving air naturally and cooling the temperature. Be sure to open multiple windows on both sides of the room to let the air pass all the way through the building. With only one window open, you may end up trapping more hot air in the room, creating the opposite effect.

Positioning

A room filled with windows facing the sun can feel like a sauna in the afternoon. The position of the windows in your home makes a huge difference with both your heating and cooling bill. If you have windows letting in heat, it is a good idea to invest in window treatments to block the heat, or to upgrade to better quality windows. Window technology has improved a lot in the last 10 years, introducing UV ratings in the glass panels and frosted options to lower cooling costs.

If you live in a climate where winter is a factor, having the windows facing the sun can bring a natural source of heat in the winter. Opening up the curtains on a sunny winter day can help to warm the temperature in the room to a comfortable level.

Close Exterior Shutters

If you have functional shutters on your home, use them as a way to block the heat from entering your home. External shutters are more efficient at blocking the heat than internal shades, blocking the sun’s rays before they enter the building. If your home faces the sun, you may want to consider installing functional shutters to save on energy costs in the long run.

Difficult to Open

Wooden window frames swell over time, reducing the ability to open and close. Replacing wooden window frames with newer technology will allow you to let in the fresh air once again. Older homes with windows that won’t open depend on HVAC systems to lower the air temperature. With new windows, you can dramatically decrease energy costs and get the air circulating again.

Energy Efficiency

The number of panes in your window panel usually signals the energy efficient rating of your windows. Single-paned windows let the hot and cold air pass right through, while double and triple pane windows keep the air temperature on the right side of the glass. Upgrading to higher-efficiency windows can save hundreds of dollars on your energy bills every year making it worth the investment.

Windows help to keep the temperature in your home steady. They can be a source of great energy loss or a natural form of ventilation. If you are fighting to keep your energy bills down, replacing your windows is a good place to start.