When the air starts getting crisper in Calgary, any drafts in your home become so much more noticeable. No matter how much you turn the thermostat up, they almost seem impossible to get rid of. Small gaps and cracks in and around your window frame or even old glass let the chill seep in through the windows and the heat out.
All is not lost. There are plenty of ways you can winterize your windows to keep your indoors warm, the cold out, and lower your energy bills.
At Go Green Windows, we specialize in helping Calgary homeowners stay cozy during our long, unpredictable winters. Whether you’re looking for quick DIY fixes or a long-term solution, here’s what you need to know about getting started on home window installation this fall.
Why Window Insulation Matters In Calgary
Our winters don’t just get cold—they’re dramatic. A chinook can push temperatures above zero one day, then plunge back to -20°C the next. These extreme rises and dips in temperature can make even the best window seals expand and contract, making drafts inevitable. Add in the ice buildup many of us see on the inside of our windows, and it’s easy to see why insulation is so important here.
Good window insulation helps:
- Reduce drafts and cold spots, even during sudden temperature swings
- Lower heating costs when your furnace is working overtime
- Minimize condensation and ice forming on glass
- Improve indoor comfort through every chinook and cold snap
How To Temporarily Insulate A Window?
While leaving gaps as they are isn’t a good idea, sometimes there is a need for a quick fix. These techniques are great options if you’re renting as well.
Use Bubble Wrap
This isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing option, but it works well if you’re in a pinch. The air gaps in the bubble wrap essentially act as a double glazing does, trapping the heat in. Mist your pane with water. Apply bubble wrap cut to the size of the pane with the bubble size touching the glass. You may have to tape the sides to keep it there. The downsides are that your view will be blocked, and the tape might peel your paint.
Draft Stoppers
These only work if the draft is coming from the bottom of the window. Simply place these snake-like cloth tubes across the cracks at the bottom at you’re good to go.
Thermal Curtains And Window Coverings
Lock in warm when the temperature dips at night by drawing closed your insulated curtains and blinds. Open them up to let in in Calgary’s bright winter sunlight during the day. The best part is, you can take them with you when you move.
More Permanent Window Weatherproofing
Weatherstripping And Caulking
Years of Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles can warp window seals. Worn or cracked seals around your window frames are often the culprits behind drafts. Applying fresh weatherstripping or recaulking those gaps will do the trick. You can go the DIY route or bring in the professionals, so you’re assured no gaps are missed.
At Go Green Windows, we always recommend repairs over replacement wherever possible.
Upgrade To Energy-Efficient Windows
Short-term fixes will only go so far. Persistent drafts, frost between frames, rot, or water damage to your frames are all signs it’s time to get your windows replaced. Escalating energy bills are another good reason to replace outdated windows. Despite the upfront costs, new windows are an investment that will pay off over time.
At Go Green Windows, we install double- and triple-pane windows built for Calgary’s climate, complete with Low-E coatings and argon gas fills to maximize insulation.
Stay Warm With Go Green Windows
Winter in Calgary means preparing for Chinooks, cold snaps, and everything in between. You want your windows to keep the heat in and the cold out while making the most of your views. Whether you simply need your frames resealed, cracked panes replaced, or a brand-new window installed, our team is here to help you with your window weatherproofing.
Book Your Free Consultation
Don’t wait until your furnace is working overtime and the utility bills hit the roof. Our friendly team is here to give you advice on your options for the best window insulation for winter.
Contact Go Green Windows today to schedule a free consultation.