Homeowners Can Stop Sweating Over Utility Bills With Proper Window Care This Summer

N. WILKESBORO, N.C. (June 12, 2020) — Local families are spending more time at home than ever before, and that means we’re using more energy to stay cool and comfortable. Forecasters predict a hotter than average summer, and high temps often mean high electric bills, but proper window and home maintenance can help homeowners find relief from the heat — and save money in the long run!

Local experts with Window World, America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, are helping homeowners stay cool and avoid skyrocketing electric bills with the Window World ‘Set Up Your Home for Summer Checklist.’

“Homeowners yearn for the sun right now after spending so much time inside, but the summer sun can really cause their energy bills to skyrocket if they’re not careful,” says Window World Chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth. “There are small measures people can take, like closing the drapes on southern-facing windows, that can have a big impact on their utility bills. We created the Window World ‘Set Up Your Home for Summer Checklist’ to help homeowners keep cool air inside their homes in a cost-efficient manner.”

Window World ‘Set Up Your Home for Summer Checklist’

1. Embrace Energy-Efficient Windows — Replace your windows with energy-efficient options to get some massive savings. Choose windows with a low-emissivity glass coating, which is designed to reflect the sun’s rays in the summer and trap heat in the winter. Additionally, look for the ENERGY STAR® label when buying new windows — it means the windows meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Trained Window World professionals can help you decide what types of windows work best in your climate, and they can install them according to local code requirements.
2. Seal the Deal — Check for air leaks around your windows, electrical outlets, or gaps around pipes and wires. Many of these areas can be filled with caulk or special coverings. Additionally, ensure weatherstripping around windows and doors is in good condition and isn’t frayed or worn down. You can tell if there’s an air leak around your windows by lighting an incense stick and watching the smoke for a disturbance in the air. Also, if you can see daylight around a door or window frame, there is an air leak. Homeowners typically save up to $200 a year in heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation. (ENERGY STAR)
3. Cover and Close — Close window blinds and drapes to keep sunlight from coming in, especially on southern-facing windows. Cellular shades, which are a great option when it comes to saving energy, can reduce solar heat through windows by 80 percent. (U.S. Dept. of Energy) Additionally, make sure your windows are closed when the air conditioner is on. Closing your windows will keep the cool air trapped inside and will prevent the air conditioner from working overtime.
4. Don’t Forget the Filter — Check your air filter frequently: once a month in the summer and winter, when it is used heavily. A dirty filter will slow down airflow and make the system work harder to keep you cool. This may also lead to costly maintenance problems down the road.
5. Turn Up the Thermostat — Turn up the thermostat while you’re not at home (or set it as high as is comfortable when you are home) to lower your utility bills. Consider getting a programmable or smart thermostat to cool down the power usage. Take advantage of your ceiling fans, which can allow you to turn up the thermostat about 4°F. (U.S. Dept. of Energy) Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room.
6. Simple Tasks; Big Savings — There are easy steps you can take throughout your home to lower your bills and save energy this summer. Take advantage of the summer sun by air-drying your clothes outside instead of using the dryer. Make sure the fireplace is closed so the cool air inside your home doesn’t escape. Try using your microwave whenever possible; you can reduce cooking energy by as much as 80 percent, and less heat is generated when compared to using your stove or oven. (ENERGY STAR)

About Window World

Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 200 locally owned franchises nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors, and other exterior products, with over 18 million windows sold to date. Window World is an ENERGY STAR® partner and its windows, vinyl siding and Therma-Tru doors have all earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. In 2019, Window World was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Window and Patio Door Retailers, 5 out of 7 Years” by J.D. Power. Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®, Window World and its franchisees provide funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, which honored the company with its Organizational Support Award in 2017. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has raised over $10.75 million for St. Jude. Window World also supports the Veterans Airlift Command, a nonprofit organization that facilitates free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families. As a member of that network, Window World’s corporate jet has provided transportation for over 115 missions, transporting 140 veterans and logging over 420 hours in the air. For more information, visit WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXTWINDOW. For home improvement and energy efficiency tips, décor ideas and more, follow Window World on Facebook and Twitter.

Window World received the highest score among Retailers in the J.D. Power 2019 Window & Patio Door Satisfaction Study of customers’ satisfaction with their windows and/or patio doors purchase. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more information.