When it comes to surviving winter in the Edmonton and points north and west, properly insulated and installed quality windows are a must. Not only do they help keep the cold out and the heat in, but they also minimize condensation and improve your home’s energy efficiency. However, if window improvements are not in the budget this year, there are still a few things you can do to maximize your energy savings this winter. Keep reading to discover 4 winterizing tips from All-West Glass, Northwestern Canada’s window and glass experts, that will improve the energy efficiency of your bay windows and help you stay WARM this winter.
Bay Windows & Energy Efficiency

Bay windows are a square or polygonal outward projection from an interior wall that results in the formation inside a room. They generally consist of a central stationary window and two or more operable windows. It is an architectural design that adds space and light inside a home other building.
When they are well designed, constructed with energy-efficient glazing options and low-e glass, and properly installed, bay windows allowing light in without drafts or heat loss. Unfortunately, older bay windows and poorly installed ones do not provide such energy efficiency, but you can prevent drafts, reduce heat loss, and improve energy efficiency by following the WARM protocol.
The WARM Protocol for Bay Windows
The following 4 strategic steps can make a significant difference in your home's thermal performance and your overall comfort throughout the winter months.
W: Work the Locks and Latches to ensure that they function properly and seal tightly. This will prevent cold air infiltration and heat loss. Regularly inspect these components for wear or damage and lubricate them if necessary to maintain optimal performance.
A: Apply New Weatherstripping to seal gaps around window frames. As above, this action keeps your heated air inside and the frosty air outside. Durable materials, like EPDM rubber, offer long-lasting effectiveness, and weatherstripping with a compression rate of about 30% will create an effective seal.
R: Repair Caulking around windows to seal any gaps. Pay special attention to areas where the window frame meets the wall, as these are common spots for air leaks. You may opt for a high-quality caulk that can expand and contract with temperature changes.
M: Mount Thermal Curtains inside your home to provide an additional layer of insulation. These specialized curtains can help retain heat inside your home and reduce heating bills. The most effective thermal curtains offer an additional R-value increase of at least 2 to 3. Curtains can be opened on sunny days to allow natural warmth in and closed at night to keep the heat in.
Bay Window Solutions in Edmonton & Beyond
If you are looking for new or retrofitted energy efficient bay windows for your home in Edmonton or elsewhere in Northwestern Canada, contact All-West Glass. We have been providing window and glass solutions throughout Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories for over 50 years. Contact us in one of our 18 locations.