Homeowners in Northern Virginia are preparing their homes for the cool temperatures. Whether your home is old or brand new, there can be drafts that find their way in, wasting energy and causing coolness throughout your home. One of the main sources of drafts is from the windows. Many people find that when they stand by a window, they feel colder. That’s because there are small cracks within the workings of the window itself, and the glass isn’t much of a barrier from the elements.

The best way to avoid window drafts is to insulate them! We’ve put together a simple list of 5 key instructions to insulate the windows in your home and optimize your comfort and efficiency.

1. Purchase A Window Insulation Kit

In order to insulate the windows in your home properly, the right tools need to be used. You can purchase a window insulation kit from most hardware stores and they should include the following items: double-sided mounting tape with a ready-to-peel liner and plastic window insulation film.

2. Prepare Your Windows

In order to use the kit as instructed, it’s a good idea to prep your window frames. Take a rag and an all purpose spray cleaner and clean off the surfaces around the window. This step assures you that the tape will firmly stick to the surfaces. A clean base is always a good place to start.

3. Apply Tape

There will be a roll of double-sided tape in your kit, and you’ll need to apply the sticky side to the window, all along the surrounding wall directly beside the window, keeping the tape as straight as possible. Once it’s complete, pull off the wax papering that is on the other side of the tape so that the sticky side is exposed.

4. Apply Plastic Film

Next, you’ll want to apply the plastic film overtop of the tape. You may need to cut it to fit your window. Hold the plastic tight and place it overtop of the tape, sealing it with your fingers, starting from the middle and smoothing out. Press the plastic to the tape all the way around until it is completely sealed.

5. Use Heat From A Hairdryer

The only thing left to do is to grab your hairdryer! Hold the dryer about a half an inch away from the plastic, allowing the heat to seal the plastic and iron out the wrinkles. The heat ensures that the plastic adheres onto your window.

By following these simple steps, you can save money, heat, and energy each month by preventing drafts! We hope that you’ll use these DYI tips to keep your home as comfortable and energy-efficient as possible. And for all the big jobs, give F.H. Furr a call and one of our technicians will take a look at your home and give you advice and options about the best ways to maintain a comfortable and efficient home this fall!