Home windows are the largest source of wasted energy. This waste on average can account for 10% to 25% of your total heating and cooling bills. Here are some energy saving tips and ideas to reduce heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer.

Inspect the caulk and weather stripping around your windows for potential cracks. Cracks indicate moisture build up, and moisture build up is a result of air leakage. Reseal air leaks with caulk and replace weather stripping around windows and doors every other year.

Consider energy saving window treatments and window coverings. Choosing the right combination of window treatments can not only decorate a home, it can lower heating and cooling bills significantly.

Insulating window blinds and insulating window film are ideal for the winter, solar window coverings such as awning window treatment are ideal for those dog days of summer.

New energy efficient windows is the best long term solution for reducing both heat loss and gain. Double paned windows as well as triple glazed windows are investments that will eventually pay for themselves.