Want to improve your home's insulation and to reduce your energy bills? You may want to replace your old windows with energy efficient windows! Follow these tips for the proper way to remove existing windows and to install energy efficient new ones.
1. Carefully measure each window to be replaced. Take care to record the full height and width of each window frame. Measure twice to ensure accuracy, and then make a detailed list of the windows that you need to purchase. Next, measure all the trim pieces around your old windows. If you are careful, then you may be able to reuse these trim boards, or you may want to add new trim boards to your material list.
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2. Purchase the highest-rated energy efficient windows you can afford. New windows may seem to cost a lot, but the more you spend on windows now, the more you will cut your energy bills in the future! Your windows will eventually pay for themselves and the continue paying in energy savings. If you are purchasing new trim lumber, always buy a few extra linear feet to allow room for cutoff.
3. Tear out your existing windows. After you bring your new windows home, carefully tear out the trim pieces that you do not plan to reuse (if any) around the outside of each window. You will notice after you tear these pieces off that the nails holding the window in will now be exposed. Remove all the nails with a nail puller, except for one on each side.
From the inside of each window, carefully cut around all the edges with a utility knife to free the window from your Sheetrock, paint, and caulk. Return outside, and remove the remaining nails -- be careful not to let the window drop out and break. Once the nails are gone, remove your window carefully.
4. Begin to install your new energy efficient windows! Carefully unpack each window, being careful not to bend the flange around any window -- these bend quite easily. Next, place your window in the opening with the right side up and the locks facing inside. Find one person to hold the window while you line up the window from the inside. Your helper should also be prepared to fasten the window with nails or screws at your command.
5. Be sure to align your windows correctly. From the inside, carefully align each window frame in such a way that the little gap between the window and the window opening is the same all the way around. If your Sheetrock completely hides this gap, then the distance from the edge of the glass to the Sheetrock needs to be the same all the way around. Once the window is accurately aligned, then have your helper fasten one nail or screw in each corner and open the window to ensure its function. At this point, fasten the entire window.
6. Determine how long to cut your trim boards. Measure around the outside window frame to decide this. Carefully cut all of your trim pieces -- a chop saw may be best for this, but a skill saw with a sharp blade will work. Once you have cut all the trim pieces, fasten them in place with nails or screws.
7. Caulk around the new window inside and out. Also caulk around the seams of all your trim boards and your nail holes. Conclude your window installation by painting the trim boards to match your existing trim.
In an economy in which we all are looking for ways to save money, this energy efficient window upgrade can double your savings: You will save money by doing the project yourself, and you will reap continual savings on your utility bills! As you are installing, remember to always measure for your windows twice and to take care to be safe with your tools.
How to Install Energy Efficient Windows
About the Author
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