Warm Up Your Windows for Winter

When winter comes around, it’s no secret that your home will start to get colder. That usually translates to an increase in your monthly energy bill, too. But the cost doesn’t have to be so high if you warm up your windows for winter.

This doesn’t mean to literally heat them up with a hairdryer or a space heater—it’s more about keeping them from letting the cold air in from outside. That means considering the type of window treatments in your home and how they function in the colder months.

Here are some tips on how to update window treatments in winter.

Don’t be afraid to make a change

You may be asking, “Should I update my windows before winter?” If you’re already asking the question, you probably also already know that the answer is yes. There are many reasons why it might be a good idea to make the change, even if it’s only for the cold times of the year.

For starters, your home may have different needs in winter than it does in summer. Winter chill can slip right past traditional blinds and sheer curtains. While these may be fine options for adjusting sunlight (both for heat control and ambiance), they don’t help much with keeping heat inside your home.

In addition to temperature concerns, winterizing your window treatments also means creating a cozy space to relax in when sun sets earlier in the day. Color and texture of window treatments can be a major factor in how a room feels, so if you’re looking to create a cozy environment, this is a good place to start. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a forever change—there are many window treatment options that can be added or removed as seasons change.

Temperature control

The type of window treatment you choose will have a big effect on the temperature of your home. Wooden blinds, rollers or roman shades will help stop some of the chill from entering your home in winter. Shutters are another good option, as their tight fit in the frame helps keep cold air from sneaking in.

Another tip is to have window treatments installed as close as possible to the window. The closer to the window it is, the better your insulation will be. Custom-made window treatments will fit much better and make a nice, snug insulator in winter months.

Layer up

Remember, even energy-efficient windows will allow for some transfer of the cold from the outside into your home, so it’s best to have the most protection you can. Adding drapes or curtains as another layer of window treatment can be a very effective way to insulate your home from heat transfer through windows. It’s also a great way to create a cozy ambiance with purposeful design elements.

Now that you have some ideas on how to update window treatments in winter, maybe the question is not so much, “Should I update my windows before winter,” but “How should I update my windows before winter?”

When you’re ready to start warming up your windows, contact Eastcreek Designs, L.L.C. today.