Today's increasing energy costs, shrinking budgets and stagnant wages are a growing concern. For those of us living in the more extreme climates that require extra heating in the winter months or relief from the blazing summer heat, there are tricks to increase our comfort and lower those bills.
Windows are one of the worst sources of energy waste. Older windows especially, however even the double or tripled glazed windows will leak if they aren’t maintained properly. The first thing to do is to wander the exterior of the building and caulk any gaps between the window and the window frame, and then between the window frame and the exterior wall. Go inside, and repeat the process.
Some homes already have storm windows, but if you don't, it is easy to construct your own using clear plastic and a wooden frame made to the exact size of each window. Use wing nuts to easily secure the frame in place. In the spring remove the frames and store in a safe place for future use. It is helpful to label the frame with a black marker so that you know at a glance where it belongs and where the top of the frame is.
Clear window film kits for the inside of the windows are now readily available. These are simply clear plastic sheets attached to the frame of windows with double-sided tape and sealed in place with the heat of a blow dryer. The plastic must be removed after the winter season or peak summer heat if you want to open that window… resulting in a yearly investment. Thankfully, however the plastic can be reused as a drop sheet for the next painting project.
Reuse plastic bubble wrap on areas where you aren't worried about the view, such as the garage door and back entrance - or areas where you have privacy issues such as a bathroom or bedroom. Put 1 tsp. of baby shampoo in a spray bottle of water and mist the clean window on the inside, smooth on a sheet of plastic bubble wrap. This also reduces sound, which is great for music rooms or games rooms.
Tinted window film is another option - saving 50% on summer cooling costs and a small percentage of winter heat. The nice thing about these is they give you privacy during the day and the tinted film cuts out the glare from reflective surfaces. No more wincing at the intense light!
Install window blinds that allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight. In the winter you want as much sunlight as you can get, while in the summer you want to be able to limit that sunlight. You may find shutters work best for your situation. Condos and apartments are often exposed to extreme heat in the summer - simply cover those windows with foil and you'll notice a huge difference in temperature. Again, you can create lightweight foiled frames using thin cardboard; these are set inside the window and can be easily removed whenever you want the view or to access the fresh air at night. There are exterior window blinds, such as roll down bamboo blinds, and deck screens available on the market to help cut down on excess sun exposure as well.
Plant evergreen trees on the North side of the property to protect from winter weather, but deciduous trees on the South side, so that the leaves provide shade in the summer, but allow sunlight to warm the area during the winter months. Alternatively plant vines, pole or runner beans and climbing flowers along sunny windows, near entryways and parking areas or the deck, to reduce the intensity of that summer sun.
These are just a few inexpensive ways for you to save some money while increasing the comfort level for any space that you use. To learn more budget-friendly tips like these visit Amazon and pick up a copy of the Trash Talk - It's Easy To Be Green books.
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