Living in a home with old timber joinery? Here’s a few tips to save on heating costs

Minimising heat loss through old timber windows can significantly improve your home’s warmth and energy efficiency, especially in winter. There are a range of options available depending on your budget and whether you’re after a quick fix or a long-term solution.

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to reduce heat loss is by using heavy curtains, thermal drapes or even honeycomb blinds. These act as a barrier between the cold glass and the warm interior air, especially at night. For best results, curtains should be full-length, lined, and fit snugly against the window frame to prevent warm air escaping around the edges. It does pay to do your homework to weigh up the costs of new thermal window treatments vs the costs of upgrading your windows to double glazing – particularly if you’re planning to stay in the home long-term.

Another easy fix is draught sealing. Over time, timber joinery can shrink or warp slightly, allowing cold air in and warm air out. Applying self-adhesive weather stripping – such as foam, rubber, or brush seals – around window sashes and frames helps block these leaks. It’s especially effective around movable parts like meeting rails and sash edges.

Maintaining your timber joinery is also important. Regularly sealing or repainting the frames helps prevent moisture damage and air leaks. Cracked putty or rotting timber should be repaired promptly, as these can significantly affect thermal performance.

Another tip – window pelmets above curtains can stop warm air from flowing behind the curtain and cooling against the glass. During the day, open curtains to allow sunlight in and take advantage of passive solar heating.

If you’re ready for a more substantial investment, retrofitting double glazing into your existing timber frames is probably your best option – simply get in touch with one of our members and they’ll be happy to discuss your options.

https://www.wganz.org.nz/find-member/