In regions with cold winters, fall is prep time. If you are a homeowner, that includes your property and September is your “sweet spot” for home improvement projects. It is still relatively warm, a guarantee that fades as September gives way to the later fall months. This is especially true for preparing your windows for winter. Windows are one of the primary sources of heat loss that can create uncomfortable drafts in your home, but also higher energy bills. Thermal window inserts can be a quick, cost-effective solution to insulate the windows for winter and improve your home’s energy efficiency. And early fall is an ideal time to install them.
Let’s take a look at how adding window inserts to your fall home maintenance checklist can help in preventing heat loss in winter and add another tool to your toolkit on how to reduce heating bills.
Why September Is the Best Time to Act
The best time to insulate the windows for winter is in September, just as the season is changing and before the cold weather sets in. This timing avoids the winter rush for both contractors and supplies. The weather has also not grown too cold, but it is not too warm either as the summer heat has faded. This makes for ideal weather conditions for home improvement projects and the best time to install window inserts. By taking measures early to draft proof windows, you also get the benefit of realizing pre-winter energy savings.
How Heat Loss Impacts Your Home
As temperatures drop, the air outside becomes colder than the air inside. If the insulation around your windows is lacking, cold air drafts will start to be felt in your home’s interior. This can make it difficult to maintain a constant and comfortable indoor temperature. This difficulty puts more pressure on your heating system to maintain a consistent temperature, which results in higher energy bills.
Windows are one of the primary sources of heat loss in your home. They are essentially holes in your walls that have been plugged by glass with a sealed frame, materials that do not insulate as well as walls. The problem can be further compounded if you have inadequate insulation, gaps, or cracks around the window frames. This can allow warm indoor air to escape at a faster rate and for colder outdoor air to seep in.
Common signs of inadequate insulation around your windows include drafts, glass that is cold to the touch, and excess condensation. Noticeable drafts and condensation on windows in winter are a sure sign of heat loss through poor window insulation. Improving that insulation can not only make your home more comfortable, but will make your pocketbook better too with lower heating costs. Window inserts act to improve your window’s insulation properties, making them more energy efficient.
The Case for Window Inserts over Full Window Replacement
A full window replacement, with double or triple pane glass, improved insulation, and well-sealed frames and sashes can significantly reduce drafts in your home and lower your energy costs. Replacement, however, comes with high renovation costs and an extended time commitment for installation.
Window inserts, on the other hand, can significantly improve your windows’ insulation with a much lower investment cost and can be installed quickly and easily. They can also be removed after the winter months just as quickly and easily.
Window inserts, also preserve your existing frames as there is no permanent alteration of the window. This can be particularly important for insulating historic windows where keeping the historic style and aesthetics of the window intact is a priority.
Window inserts are a way of winterizing windows without replacing them, making them one of the top cost-effective, energy-efficient window solutions.
How Window Inserts Help Insulate the Windows for Winter
Window inserts, or interior storm windows, create a thermal barrier around your window frame and add an extra layer of protection over the window glass. This prevents drafts and heat loss through the glass.
In addition, this added protective layer reduces outside noise from penetrating into your home. Window inserts also have moisture control benefits that help reduce condensation.
Another added perk of window inserts is their compatibility with different window styles, including modern, historic, and large glass. They are custom fit for the size and style of your windows and are basically invisible once installed.
Estimating Your Potential Savings
In cold climates, poorly insulated windows can contribute 40 percent to a home’s energy loss, on average. That is a significant burden on your home’s heating system and on your heating bills. By improving your window’s R-value by adding an extra thermal barrier, your heat loss can be cut by 20 to 50 percent. Improving your windows’ thermal performance can help reduce your heating bills by making it easier to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. This potential savings is one of the main benefits of storm windows.
Pairing Window Insert Installation with Other Fall Maintenance Tasks
Window inserts are not the only home insulation upgrades for fall that can help reduce drafts and lower your winter energy costs. Other fall maintenance tasks can be combined with the installation of window inserts to make your home ready to take on the cold weather to come.
These extra weatherproofing tips for fall include:
- Weatherstripping and door seals to further prevent heat from escaping
- HVAC maintenance and filter replacement to prolong your system’s life and improve indoor air quality
- An attic insulation check to look for settling, gaps, moisture, or compression that can affect your home’s energy efficiency
If you have window inserts already that you have used in past years, fall is also a great time to do a maintenance check to ensure their lasting performance. Remove your inserts from storage and do a seasonal clean before re-installing. While cleaning, also make sure to inspect for any wear or fit issues that will affect their airtight seal. If you find that any of the seals or frames are damaged, it is probably time for a replacement.
Read More: Maintenance Tips for Lasting Performance
The Measurable Benefits of Window Inserts: Loving Your Home in Winter
Experiencing winter in a cold climate while living in a home with poorly insulated windows can mean cold discomfort with chilly, drafty rooms, condensation or frost laden windows, and high heating bills. None of this makes a homeowner love their home when winter is around the corner.
Once your windows are measured and custom fit and inserts are installed, which takes only minutes to do, you can look forward to winter in your home. Window inserts form a tight seal that eliminates chilly drafts and reduces condensation by creating an air pocket that keeps the surface of the interior glass warmer. This adds up to better energy efficiency and lower heating costs. This is all done by also preserving your home’s aesthetics as window inserts seamlessly blend into your existing window frame. All in all, it makes a homeowner continue to love their home through every season, even when cold weather sets in.
Add Window Inserts to Your Fall Homeowners Prep Checklist
Fall is a perfect time for home improvement projects as you prepare your home for the colder months. This includes prepping your windows for winter weather. Window inserts are a cost-effective way to make your home more comfortable while also providing cost savings with lower home energy bills. Window inserts are also easy to install and preserve your home’s style integrity.
Climate Seal can help you find the right window inserts for your home and help prepare you for the coming winter. If the windows are purchased and installed before the end of 2025, you can qualify for a tax credit up to $1,200. This extra cost savings only adds to the fall season being the best time to insulate the windows for winter.
