How Do You Make Old Windows More Energy Efficient? Our Five Tips

If you’ve ever walked by a drafty window or left a window cracked by accident – only to see your next utility bill hike unexpectedly! – you know just how much your windows affect your home’s energy efficiency. Poorly insulated or older windows can allow heat to escape in the winter and let unwanted warmth inside during the summer, leading to higher energy bills and a less comfortable home.

Fortunately, you can make old windows more energy efficient with a handful of DIY fixes and effective exterior home upgrades. Today, let’s take a look at some key steps and solutions to boost an aging window’s energy efficiency.

How to make your windows more energy efficient

There are lots of great ways to boost the efficiency of your windows, from installing new windows with energy-saving glass to using simple, budget-friendly solutions like weather stripping or reflective blinds. From the experts in exterior remodeling at Window World of Asheville, here are some of our best methods to help keep your home comfortable and your utility costs down.

Apply weather stripping or caulk

What if your current windows aren’t that old, but their frames are starting to show wear and tear in the form of small gaps and cracks? Weather stripping and caulk are simple yet effective solutions.

Over time, small cracks can form around window frames, allowing drafts to enter. Weather stripping, which is easy to apply and comes in materials like rubber, foam, or metal, does a good job of sealing gaps around the moving parts of a window, like sashes.

Meanwhile, caulking seals stationary gaps around the window frame and trim, preventing air leaks. Both options are affordable and can dramatically improve your window’s insulation with minimal effort.

Hang window shades or blinds

Window coverings like cellular shades, thermal curtains, or insulated blinds are effective barriers against heat transfer. They can help regulate indoor temperatures year-round.

Of course, some window coverings and treatments might be better for your home or window styles than others. Here are some of our favorite options at Window World of Asheville:

• Cellular (honeycomb) shades, which trap air in their pockets, reducing heat loss.
• Thermal curtains, which are made with insulating layers that keep warm air in during winter and block heat during summer.
• Reflective blinds, which can bounce sunlight away, keeping rooms cooler on hot days.

Using these coverings strategically – for instance, by closing them during the hottest parts of the day in summer and opening them to let sunlight in during winter – can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency.

Install exterior shutters

Another good way to increase the energy efficiency of old windows? Add some protection to your home's exterior via shutters.

Exterior shutters – like classic Colonial-style raised panel shutters or elegant louvered shutters – offer protection from the elements while enhancing curb appeal. Specifically, they enhance energy efficiency in several ways by:

• Blocking direct sunlight to keep interiors cool.
• Providing an extra barrier against cold winds.
• Offering storm protection, reducing window damage.

Wooden or insulated vinyl shutters work best for energy efficiency since they help reduce heat loss and gain effectively. Plus, they’re top ways to give your home a bit of extra exterior flair!

Attach awnings to your home

Similarly, awnings can be smart home upgrades to reduce solar heat gain, particularly on windows that face south or west. These coverings extend over windows to provide shade, reducing cooling costs in the summer.

Retractable awnings allow flexibility, offering shade when needed and sunlight when desired. Or you can opt for fixed awnings, which provide year-round protection and can enhance a home’s appearance.

In either case, by limiting direct sunlight, awnings can help reduce solar heat gain by 65%-77%, making a significant impact on energy efficiency. In no time at all, those awnings could pay for themselves in utility bill savings.

Install new windows with superior glass

Energy-efficient glass technology has come a long way over the last decade. If your windows are fairly old or have never been upgraded, the smartest way to make them better is simple: Replace them with modern, energy-efficient models.

That’s because new windows often feature some combination of the following:

• Double- or triple-pane glass: These glass layers trap air or gas between layers, significantly reducing heat transfer.
• Gas fill: Double- or triple-pane glass windows with special gases (like argon or krypton) sealed between the panes for enhanced insulating benefits.
• Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings: Low-E glass coatings reflect infrared light, helping retain heat in the winter and block it in the summer.
• Insulated frames: Modern vinyl frames provide better insulation than traditional wood or aluminum frames.

While it's true that replacing your old windows with new ones can cost a bit upfront, they'll save you massively in the long run by reducing your energy bills. Add the curb appeal and personal satisfaction you'll get from great-looking new windows from Window World of Asheville, and they’re the best way to make your home more energy efficient overall.

Is it worth making windows more energy efficient?

At the end of the day, it’s more than possible to make your old windows more energy efficient. But is it really worth it compared to swapping them out for newer, better alternatives in terms of cost-effectiveness?

In many cases, DIY approaches to improving window efficiency, through insulation and different coverings, can be the more affordable choice, especially in the short term if your windows are in good condition. However, if your windows are old, damaged, or single-pane, replacing them with ENERGY STAR®-certified models may be a better long-term investment.

When you look at the math and actual long-term savings you could see from upgrading, new windows can lower energy bills by up to 30%, increase home value, and provide better insulation and noise reduction.

So, which choice is right for you?

• If your windows are drafty but structurally sound, use weather stripping, caulk, blinds, and awnings for an affordable fix – but consider planning for window upgrades in the short- to mid-term future.
• If your windows are over 10 or 15 years old and causing significant heat loss, a window replacement from the pros at Window World may be the smarter investment.

Find the best energy-efficient solution at Window World

If you're ready to make your home’s windows more energy efficient, Window World of Asheville offers a variety of options to fit your needs. From high-quality exterior shutters to great-looking windows, our remodeling solutions are ideal for homes of all sizes, and our certified installers are the perfect professionals to help you make your renovation dreams come to life. It all starts with a free quote, so request yours today online or call (828) 684-6334!