Close the window on those high energy bills

If your home has single-pane windows, as almost half of U.S. homes do, consider replacing them.

New double-pane windows with highperformance glass are available on the market. In colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss.

In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain.

If you decide not to replace your windows, there are other ways to improve their performance. In cold climates, close your curtains and shades at night and open them during the day.

Installing storm windows can also reduce your heat loss by up to 50 percent. In warm climates, install white window coverings to reflect heat away from the house and close south- and west-facing curtains during the day.

Here are some other worthy winter tips:

• You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

• Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

• Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.

• Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun.

• Install exterior or interior storm windows; storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows between 25 to 50 percent.

Storm windows should have weatherstripping at all moveable joints; be made of strong, durable materials; and have interlocking or overlapping joints.

Low-e storm windows save even more energy.

• Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary.