Most home weatherizing projects involve windows because they are largely responsible for the loss of home thermal energy. What makes windows energy-efficient is their ability to block air movement, creating dead air space between the inside and outside glass panes.

Most windows today come with double or triple-pane insulated glass. Basically, insulated glass is two or three pieces of glass separated by a spacer bar and sealed on all four sides to create a dead air space between the panes.

You can easily make single-pane, older windows more energy-efficient by creating dead air spaces using window weather-stripping materials, a good storm window and plastic sheeting to block air movement.

To minimize condensation and frost from forming between the house window and the storm window, keep warm, moist air on the interior side by applying weather-stripping to the inside gaps.

Here are 9 Home Weatherizing Techniques to maximize the efficiency of your windows:

• Apply clear silicone caulk around the interior window casing. To further reduce home heat energy loss, lock the window and use clear, peel-off caulk which is easily removed, to fill the gaps around the interior edges of the sash.

• Add plastic window sheeting to the inside of the window to block drafts and keep surfaces free from moisture. This home weatherizing tip often involves using a hair dryer to remove wrinkles and tighten the plastic, making it almost invisible.

• Install exterior plastic sheeting on the outside of the window. The manufacturers of this product usually include tacking or stapling strips to complete the installation.

• For sliding windows, use self-adhesive compressible foam in place of metal tension strips in the sash track that fits against the rim of the sash when the window closes.

• For casement windows, attach rubber compression strips or self-adhesive compressible foam along the outside rims of the window stops.

• For storm windows, attach foam compression strips to the outside window stops to create an air tight seal.

• For a newly installed storm window, use caulk backer rope to fill gaps between the exterior trim and the storm window.

• Drill one or two small holes in the bottom rail of the storm window to allow moist air to escape if during cold weather condensation and frost buildup is present on the inside of the storm window.

• Cover window wells with preformed window-well covers to stop home thermal energy loss through basement windows. Most window well covers have an upper flange designed to slip under siding. Fasten them to foundation walls with masonry anchors, and weight down the bottom flange with stones. Caulk around edges for extra protection.

By using the proper window weather-stripping material, you can increase the energy efficiency of your windows by 100 percent or more. Taking the necessary steps to save your home thermal energy by implementing these home weatherizing techniques can only result in a lower energy bill.