Sunday 28 April 2013

Tips To Save On Your Energy Bills By Draught Proofing Your Sash Windows

By Bradley James


If you are going to save on your energy bills by draught proofing your sash windows, you might want to spend some extra time taking care of all of the draughts in your home and increase your overall energy costs. A home loses at least 25% percent of its total heat when it is draughty.

There are many areas in a home that may be draughty and identifying the areas where you are losing heat will be important. Because of their size and location, most heat is lost from sash windows and you will save a significant amount of money when you properly treat your sash windows for energy efficiency.

Checking for draughts throughout your home will alert you to the areas that need immediate attention. By moving a lit candle slowly around the frames of doors and windows you will know when there is a draught when the candle flickers. Move the candle across the small panes of the sash window to identify any loose panes.

Using heavy drapes or curtains across the windows will stop immediate draughts in the room. The curtains that are used should have an energy efficient backing to repel heat and cold. If you have sash windows that have not been regularly maintained, there may be costs involved in making them energy efficient. Checking for available grants from the Energy Trust may offset the cost of replacing or repairing the windows in your home.

When panes in windows are loose it is easy to seal them with clear silicone bathtub caulking. These sealant is water and moisture proof and will seal the pane securely in place. Silicone sealant is often very effective with large windows as well.

Sash windows that are very old often will need further assistance from a professional to achieve the level of energy efficiency that will save significant amounts of money. The professionals can re-glaze or apply secondary glaze to the windows which will increase their efficiency. These professionals are also available to re-fit the windows and make them thoroughly energy efficient with parting beads, foam, and seals. When you have completed the repair of your windows you will save on your energey bills by draught proofing your sash windows.




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