I’m a Home Expert—The Unexpected Way to Cut Heating Bills This Fall

Keeping windows clean is about more than improving the view. Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab say spotless windows can also help keep energy costs down during the heating season. Homeowners in the Northeast who rely on oil heat stand to benefit the most, since their bills are projected to rise by more than 20%, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Still, any household can save a little money while enjoying better views of fall leaves, winter snow, and other cold-weather scenery.

Why do clean windows help conserve energy?

There are several reasons. For one, dirty glass blocks some of the sunlight that enters a home, which reduces solar heat gain during the day. Washing the windows may only boost that warmth by a degree or two, but the effect can add up across the winter, especially if curtains and blinds are closed after sunset to trap the heat collected during daylight hours. Cleaner windows also let in more natural light, which means less dependence on artificial lighting and a lower electric bill.

Homes with low-emissivity, or low-E, windows can gain another advantage from regular cleaning. Low-E glass helps hold in warmth during cold weather by reflecting long-wave infrared heat back into the home while still allowing sunlight through. Dirt and buildup can weaken those coatings, cutting their performance and putting more strain on the heating system. The savings may be modest, but even a small daily reduction can total a couple of hundred dollars over the heating season.

Pro tips for spotless windows

Here are expert recommendations from the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab for achieving clean, streak-free windows.

• Choose the right weather. Cloudy conditions are best for window cleaning. On bright, sunny days, cleaner can dry too quickly on hot glass and leave streaks that are hard to remove.
• Clean the frames first. Remove dirt and dust from the frames before spraying the glass, or the mess can turn muddy. A handheld vacuum or a vacuum brush attachment works well. If the screens are dirty, remove them and wash them with a soft brush and hot, soapy water.
• Use a microfiber cloth. Some people dry windows with newspaper, but for a shiny, streak-free finish, reusable microfiber cloths are a better choice because they are absorbent and washable. Squeegees also work, though dripping water can leave a mess on the floor.