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Fixing Leaky Windows Is Green

The wind blows and your curtains move-even though the windows are closed as tightly as possible. You've decided that it's time to act, before the rain starts coming in, too. You start looking around for new weatherstripping or a caulking kit, asking the experts at your local hardware store for advice. As it turns out, fixing leaky windows doesn't just make your home more comfortable. It's also an energy-and money-saving move.

When windows aren't sealed properly, the new air that constantly leaks in needs to be heated or cooled, putting pressure on air-conditioning and heating units to work harder. According to one utility company, small cracks and holes in homes cost Americans $13 billion annually-which translates to $150 per family. With numbers like those, you're practically installing an anti-theft system when you fix a leaky window.

To go a little greener: Consider replacing old leaky windows with those approved by Energy Star. Energy Star-qualified windows have features to improve energy efficiency, including better frame materials, multiple panes, nontoxic gas fills instead of air between panes, special spacers that prevent condensation, and low-emissivity glass. A low-emissivity (low-E) window allows light to come in but reflects radiant heat, keeping a room comfortable in all seasons. Click here to find out how much money you can save on your energy bills by installing Energy Star-certified windows. By blocking ultraviolet rays, these windows also prevent your furniture from fading. Better windows are a clear improvement.

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