Insulate your windows
Windows and skylights are a great way to save energy by using daylight to illuminate your home. Unfortunately they can also let a lot of the heat escape from your house in winter. While modern building codes require that walls have at least an R-19 insulation value, windows are generally below R-5 and can also be a major source of air infiltration.
Replacing windows seems like an attractive option to many people. Some high tech windows are claiming R-values over R-10 these days but replacing windows is rarely a cost effective energy improvement for your home. The high insulating windows are very expensive and the labor involved can be costly as well. Pulling a building permit to replace a window can trigger a process that requires upgrading windows to current egress codes turning what seemed like a minor job into a major renovation requiring significant demolition and reengineering of a wall,
The easier approach is sealing and insulating your existing windows. Most hardware stores will have a big display of winterizing products in the early Fall varying from foam rope, caulk and door sweeps to seal leaks to plastic to create seasonal storm windows. These are fairly inexpensive product which when applied appropriately can save a lot of energy and money through the heating season.
The next step up would be installing insulating shades like honeycomb or cellular shades. These shades come in a wide variety of colors and styles and can offer a very appealing look while cutting down on your heat losses. Marjorie Mullany of Andoway in Albuquerque New Mexico (Andoway.com) makes custom insulating window treatments Her insulating curtains and shades boast an R value of 7.6, which is significantly higher than most new windows. These custom curtains can be made from the fabrics of your choice to fit your room décor. Many of these more permanent window improvements may qualify for the 30% federal tax credits as well. Check with your tax consultant for how this program could benefit you.
