Slashing Heating Bills with Simple Repairs
Drafty windows are one of the biggest causes of high electric and gas bills in old Ohio properties. When winter winds blow, warm air leaks out, and cold air drafts sweep across rooms, prompting tenants to crank up their thermostats and put an enormous load on your heating systems. Repairing drafty windows is a highly cost-effective handyman project that you can tackle in a single afternoon. You will save money on heating and cooling, protect your window frames from moisture, and make your apartments feel much more comfortable. Adding double-pane inserts is another excellent long-term option.
Applying Weatherstripping & Caulking
Seal your windows like a professional using these easy techniques:
- Apply Exterior Caulking: Look for gaps in the siding and window frame. Fill exterior joints with premium waterproof caulk to keep drafts and moisture out. Purchase durable caulking guns and tools on Amazon Caulk Guns & Supplies.
- Replace Worn Weatherstripping: Clean out dried, cracking seals around the window sash and stick new adhesive foam or rubber weatherstripping in its place. Find standard seal rolls at Home Depot Weatherstripping.
- Install Heat Shrink Film: In old rentals, applying clear window shrink wrap acts like a double-pane barrier, stopping up to 50% of window heat loss.
Workplace Safety Checklist
Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris when scraping old paint or caulk off window sills. You can purchase safe contractor eyewear at CVS Safety Accessories. For highly detailed, easy instructions on caulking window frames yourself, follow the wikiHow Window Caulking Guide.