Storm windows provide protection against inclement weather and add an extra layer of insulation to your home. If you live in the southern states, it’s best to keep the storm windows closed during hurricane season, but it’s not uncommon for people to leave them open all year round since bad weather can occur anytime. But what about everywhere else?
It’s best to remove storm windows after winter to allow the spring breeze to circulate in your home. However, if you always use the air conditioning in the spring and summer, it’s best to leave them in place as they serve as insulation, trapping cool air inside your home and saving you money on energy bills.
This article discusses the key things to consider before removing your storm windows so you can decide when is the right time for you.
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Factors to Consider When Removing Storm Windows
Storm windows are typically made of glass or transparent acrylic panels mounted on aluminum, wood, or vinyl material. Their main purpose is to protect your windows from high winds and flying debris. Additionally, they contribute to the insulation of your home, which is beneficial in warmer climates where air conditioning is needed.
The two types of storm windows are:
- Interior – easy to install and typically more durable as they are not directly exposed to the elements.
- Exterior – mounted on the outside of your home to protect the existing window.
Exterior storm windows are prone to condensation and are therefore not ideal for year-round use. This can lead to warped window frames and even rot in the walls.
However, you can purchase them with weep holes to prevent this.
Regardless of the type of storm windows you have, your decision to remove them or not depends on some key factors. Let’s take a closer look at these below.
Seasonal Changes
The changing of seasons is one of the reasons why you need to install (and uninstall) storm windows.
They are typically installed during winter as they add an insulating layer to your home. Additionally, they help seal the window joints and prevent drafts.
Cold air can easily enter through unsealed windows. So even if you turn the heating all the way up, it will be harder for them to heat your home.
Although storm windows serve many purposes during winter, it’s best to properly dismantle them afterwards.
By design, storm windows keep most of the outside air from entering your home, which is great when it’s freezing cold but not ideal during the warmer months when you want a natural breeze inside.
Not only that, but storm windows need to be cleaned, which is difficult when they are in place.
Instead, it’s better to remove them once the temperature becomes more moderate. Clean and dry them thoroughly and then store them flat or in an upright position. Cover them with plastic or a blanket to keep dirt away.
Important: Store them in a dry place where the temperature is constant – you don’t want moisture to seep in and oxidize the metal components.
Air Conditioning
Besides the weather, another factor you need to consider is the use of air conditioning or not.
You may want to embrace the outdoors in the spring – relying solely on the breeze to cool your home. In this case, of course, you should remove your storm windows.
But if you plan on running your air conditioning, it’s best to leave the storm windows in place.
As mentioned earlier, they act as good insulators and can reduce air leakage by up to 10%.
You don’t want the cold air simply flowing out – or the hot outside air coming in.
Another advantage of storm windows is that they can reflect up to 35% of radiant heat.
Heat, for example, can easily seep through conventional windows. Even if your air conditioning is running at full blast in the summer, it won’t cool your home as efficiently. After all, heat constantly seeps in.
Unfortunately, this means higher cooling costs on your end.
So if you want to save somewhere between 10% – 30% on cooling costs, then it’s best to leave your storm windows in place.
Noise
As previously noted, storm windows keep the air out. But did you know they can also help keep the noise out (or in)?
Sound, after all, is a form of vibration that travels through the air.
If you live in a noisy area, it’s best to keep your storm windows in place. Without them, the sounds of horns and chatty neighbors will disturb your sleep.
That said, using storm windows is a way for you to return the favor. If your family is loud – or you play loud instruments – these windows capture the sound inside your home. In fact, they can prevent you from disturbing your neighbors.
Inclement Weather
Storm windows are, well, made for storms. So if you live in hurricane-prone areas like Florida, Alabama, or Louisiana, it’s a must to have them installed. This is especially true during the hurricane season from June to November.
The best time to remove these windows is after the storm season for cleaning. However, since storms can occur unpredictably in these areas, it’s better to err on the side of caution and leave them up.
Conclusion
Storm windows serve the purpose of insulation as well as protection from noise and weather. Given these benefits, you need to carefully consider before uninstalling them.
Ideally, they should be routinely removed for cleaning after winter to allow the spring breeze to cool your home. However, if you prefer to use the air conditioning, it’s best to leave them in place. After all, they can help reduce cooling costs.
Additionally, the noise in your vicinity – and possible brewing storms – are other things you need to consider when deciding whether to keep or remove storm windows.