Home    |   Company    |   Member Services   |   Products & Services   |   Links    |   News & Info   |   Youth Tour   |   Contact Us 
About Us Company Facts Press Releases Site Map About Us Company Facts Press Releases Site Map Welcome to Tri-County REC's Website!
Left Navigation    Home   >   Member Services   >   Electrical Tips   >   Save Energy   >   Low Cost Tips   >   Window Energy Saver Tips



Window Energy Saver Tips
Curtains and storm windows are the two easiest ways to reduce heat loss from your home. Window glass is only about one-eighth inch thick and conducts heat away from your living space. A storm window traps air between the glass and itself. This “dead air” space acts as insulation.
  • If you want storm windows on your home, but don’t want the expense of installing conventional ones, you can make plastic windows which can be applied to the inside of your windows.
  • An un-insulated drape can cut window heat loss by one-third. An insulated drape can reduce it by 50 percent.
  • Drapes save energy effectively only if they fit tightly against the window and the floor. Usually this means a valance at the top, side guides and a weighted hem. Or try adding in edge seals such as Velcro or magnetic strips.
  • If you install window covering on a window that faces north, you could save 2 to 3 percent of your home heating and cooling costs. The savings increase significantly if you put the same covering on windows facing south and west.
  • Other window coverings can be effective energy savers (but only if they fit tightly).
  • Even a vinyl shade can cut heat loss in half. More elaborate shades, such as quilted curtains, can cut the losses even more. Venetian and vertical blinds, however, are the least effective energy savers since they have so many gaps.
  • On sunny winter days, open drapes to let the warm sunlight in; close them at night to retain heat; close them on hot sunny summer days to keep heat out.
  • Install white blinds on the south-and west-facing windows to keep the sun from broiling your house in summer.


Save Energy

Appliance Energy Cost Chart

More Tips:

Air Condtioner
Dishwasher
Doors
Dryer
Fireplace
Heating
Iron
Lighting
Oven/Microwave
Refrigerator
Shower
Thermostat
Washer
Water Heater
Windows

Welcome to Wellsboro Electric Company's Website