Everyday Tips

• In the winter, open curtains to allow sunlight to warm your home. In the summer, close curtains (especially on the south-facing windows) in the afternoon to keep the house cool.
• Shut exterior doors completely. If it’s closed but not latched, it can let heat inside during the summer and outside in the winter.

Enhancing Existing Windows and Doors

• Install exterior overhangs or awnings in order to keep the strongest rays of the hot summer sun from entering.
• Use your landscaping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Well-placed deciduous trees on the south and west side of the house can reduce energy costs. In the summer, they’ll shade the windows and in the winter, they’ll let the warm sunlight in.
• Seal air leaks around windows using either rope caulk or a caulking gun.
• Install storm windows. Options include vinyl film, rigid plastic or combination storm windows. Consult your local hardware store or window dealer for the best option.
• Install weather stripping around exterior door frames to ensure a tight seal when the door is closed.
• Install door sweeps at the bottom of the door to reduce airflow.
• Consider installing a storm door in addition to your exterior doors.

Selecting and Installing New Windows and Doors

• Purchase ENERGY STAR® windows, doors and skylights. If your home has only single-pane windows, new ENERGY STAR windows will provide a noticeable difference in comfort and heat loss or gain.
• Look for double-pane windows with a low-e (low emissivity) coating, insulated sashes, spectrally selective coatings and an inert gas filling. Look for a U-value of 0.30 or less and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less. Consult the National Fenestration Rating Council label (NFRC) to understand the performance features of windows and skylights.