There’s nothing as frustrating as trying to relax on your couch, only to be interrupted by a glaring ray of sunlight bouncing off your TV. Or worse, feeling an unwelcome draft seeping into your living room during the colder months.
Glare and drafts may seem like minor inconveniences, but over time, they can reduce your home’s comfort and even increase your utility bills. Fortunately, a few strategic upgrades can make your space significantly more enjoyable and energy-efficient.
Here’s a look at five practical solutions to bid farewell to annoying glares and chilly drafts.
Window Repair and Upgrading
Windows are often the primary sources of both glare and drafts. If your windows are outdated or damaged, they might need immediate window repair. Moreover, replacing them with energy-efficient double-pane windows or ones with low-E coatings can work wonders.
Low-E coatings, in particular, are designed to reflect heat while letting in natural light. They manage glare without creating a dark or tinted look. Double-pane windows, meanwhile, come with an insulating layer of gas between two glass panels, keeping your indoor temperatures stable.
Motorized Window Shades for Effortless Glare Control
Motorized window shades allow you to adjust the level of sunlight entering your home in real-time. These are ideal for rooms where glare changes throughout the day; think east-facing bedrooms or west-facing living rooms.
What makes motorized window shades particularly useful is their precision. Paired with programmable settings, they can adjust themselves depending on the time of day, ensuring your space remains glare-free and comfortable.
Plus, they’re one of those upgrades that feel incredibly luxurious without breaking the bank.
Seal Up Drafty Gaps with Weatherstripping and Caulking
Sometimes, eliminating drafts is as simple as identifying their source. Often, cracks around windows and doors are the culprits. Weatherstripping and caulking are incredibly effective DIY solutions that provide an immediate impact.
Weatherstripping works well around doors and operable window frames, creating a seal that blocks cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Caulking, on the other hand, is perfect for filling gaps in stationary elements like the edges of window frames.
Use Landscaping to Add Shade Naturally
Sometimes, the solution lies outside, not inside. Adding trees, shrubs, or other forms of natural shading near key windows can protect your home from intense sunlight. Not only does this reduce glare, but it also helps cool down your home, further optimizing energy efficiency.
Strategically placed trees can block out the afternoon sun while still allowing enough natural light to brighten your home. It’s a long-term solution that also adds greenery and charm to your outdoor spaces.
Insulate Your Attic and Walls for Draft-Free Comfort
Drafts often originate from poorly insulated areas like attics and walls. Improving insulation in these spaces is one of the most effective ways to maintain your home’s temperature year-round.
Modern insulation materials are highly efficient and provide lasting results. From spray foam options to traditional fiberglass batt insulation, updating these areas can help you say goodbye to that uncomfortable chill near the windows.
