Getting new energy-efficient windows for your home is a necessary step if you want to lower your monthly electric and/or gas bills, since heat loss through windows can account for as much as 25 percent of your energy bill. Although the installers will handle the logistics and other concerns with removing your old windows and putting the new ones in, here are a few things you need to do on or before the big day to prepare your home.
Clear a Path to the Windows
The most important thing you must do before the installers arrive is clear a path to all the windows that will be replaced, both inside and outside. This means moving furniture away from the windows and removing decorative items that may be near them on the wall, particularly if they're items that can be easily knocked over, such as lamps. Not only can these items slow down the installers because they'll constantly have to work around them, but your belongings may get damaged during the installation process.
It's equally necessary for you to clear a path on the outside of the windows too, since this is where the installers will mostly be working. Relocate garbage cans, potted plants, and other items that may be near the windows to provide the installers as much space to maneuver as possible. Additionally, be sure to place your pets in a secure area to keep them from being underfoot and causing an accident.
Cover Your Furnishings
The installers will try to be as clean as possible when they're working. In fact, they will typically put down drop cloths on the floor to capture any dirt and debris they generate during the installation process. However, that may not be enough to prevent a thin layer of dust from settling on your other furnishings.
If you would prefer to spend more time admiring your windows than vacuuming and dusting after the installers leave, it's best to cover furnishings that can't be removed from the room with plastic, newspaper, or large blankets. This way, the dirt will fall on the coverings, and you can just throw them out (or wash them in the case of the blankets) when the job is complete.
As a side note, depending on the type of windows you have installed and the work that needs to be done, there may be quite a bit of airborne dust created during the process. It's probably best to have anyone who has allergies or breathing disorders (like asthma) to leave the home during that time or to wear a mask to avoid breathing in the contaminants and aggravating their conditions.
Contact the Security Company
A third thing you should do is contact your security company to notify them your windows are being replaced. If your current windows have sensors on them, these will need to be removed during the installation process and then reconnected when the new windows are placed.
Sometimes you can remove the contacts yourself, though you would still need to contact the alarm company to let them know to ignore any alerts that may be triggered by your actions. In some cases, however, the alarm company may need to come to the home to disable the connection because of special wiring concerns.
If you're having automated windows put on the house that will be connected to a home automation system, be sure to contact the appropriate professional so they can make any necessary adjustments to the appropriate smart home products to account for the new windows.
For tips on preparing yourself and your home for your window installation appointment, contact the window company handling your account, or check out websites like http://bradentonwindow.net.
