Window Insulation – The Best Options

When planning to make the home an energy efficient dwelling, one area that is often overlooked is the window insulation. This one feature of the house can be responsible for an overwhelming 80% of changes to the household temperature and drastic spikes in energy use.

Heat loss or gain due to poor window insulation happens for a number of different reasons:

- Simple thermal dynamics which involves the principle that hot air rises and cold air falls, creates a perpetual cycle which occurs against the window glass. What this means is that the heated indoor air will flow along the cold window, chilling it. The now cold air falls to the floor and other warmed air takes its place. This is a huge energy drain as the house heater continues to reheat the same interior air over and over again.

- When the seals or frames are poorly functioning, it allows the air to escape the house, or causes an additional airflow into the home.

- Solar radiant enters the home through the window on sunny days, increasing the overall house temperature.

To prevent these problems it is advisable to insulate the window and renew any seals.

What type is window insulation is suitable all year round?

The best window insulation to address the situation year round, is a window with a multiple pane design. There are both double and triple forms that can easily be used. The difference between these forms of window, as compared to the single pane window insulation design, is that an intentional gap is formed between the glass layers. The number of layers is indicated by single, double, or triple glazed window insulation.

The window is created to have small gaps between the glass sheets, which is typically filled with Argon gas or air, this space creates an insulating effect which cushions against exchanges between interior and exterior temperature. To better understand the idea, consider the use of a curtain, when closed it holds the cool or hot air in the house and traps the opposite air conditions from entering.

In addition to the pane glass, there is also a selection of glass or glaze types which can help in preventing heat or UV transfer. Usually these are reflective or developed with a tone to limit radiant transfer through the glass.

What about temporary window insulation options?

When windows are already present, there are a few self-help kits which enable an individual to place a plastic sheet or film over the window with the use of an adhesive to produce a similar effect to using window insulation. This is an excellent option for renters who are looking to optimize energy costs.

By addressing the windows is that the common fluctuation in house temperature is diminished which provides greater continuous comfort to the occupant. The other benefit to window insulation is a noticeable change in energy consumption, an estimated 50%.