Do You Have Poor Performing Windows In Your Home?
You might think the windows in your home are doing just fine. After all, windows are made to last, right? Unfortunately, not all windows are created equal, and it’s not a good tactic to wait until a window is rendered totally useless to buy replacement windows. Whether you’ve purchased your original windows at a great spot like Richmond Window or they came with the house, it’s high time you started investing in the future of your home and stopped giving away all your money to heating and electric companies. If you want to test out your windows to see if they’re due for a replacement, here are a few things to try.
Check for Drafts
One of the easiest ways to figure out if your home windows are working for you is to do a quick draft test. Pass by your window and feel around for any stray gusts of air. Try it from the outside as well to see if any warm air from your home is escaping. If you’re identifying a draft, you may need a new window. If you’re not used to weatherstripping or protecting your home during the winter months, it might be a good idea to put in some extra caulking to prevent drafts. However, if you’re finding that air is leaking through even with those extra precautions, it’s probably a sign that your window isn’t doing you any favors.
Check the Expiration Date
Most windows can live for about 25 years. That said, different window types have different lifespans, and chances are if you’re living in an older home that came with its own windows, they’re well overdue for a change. Most windows in older houses are basic single-pane options that don’t do much to keep cold air out or keep warm air in. All they’re really doing is providing a weak barrier against the outdoors. This could mean trouble for your home for a few reasons. First, when your home is constantly exposed to leaks, it’s vulnerable to mold, mildew, and rot. Secondly, you’re going to find yourself overpaying for heating without reaping any benefits. If you know your windows are past that 20- to 25-year mark, do yourself a favor and swap them out for some new replacement windows.
Research Energy-Efficient Options
Your old, leaky windows aren’t just performing poorly. They’re actually causing you to miss out on a way greener, less expensive way of keeping your house temperature-regulated. If your current windows aren’t energy optimized, it’s worth it to swap them out for some high-performing double or triple pane windows. These newer models don’t just keep air out and provide a tight seal against bad weather, they help to optimize the heat in your home and keep things cozy so that you don’t have to rely on your heating system as much. For homeowners living in a cold climate, this change can make all the difference.
Check Your Installation
If you have newer windows and they’re not performing as they should be, your installation could be to blame. Whether you tried installing your new windows yourself or relied on professionals to do it, you should make sure your window was actually put in correctly. If not, you could be facing severe leaks and leaving your home vulnerable to drafts.
