In the winter, are you always cold? And in the summer, no matter how high the air-conditioning is turned up, you’re hot? There could be many reasons for these inconvenient (and annoying) shifts in temperatures, and one of them is that your windows are old or malfunctioning.
Did you know that you’re supposed to replace windows every 15 years or so? When you don’t update them,over time, the windows become weather-damaged and worn-out. Cold and hot air will easily travel in and out of windows when there are leaky holes within the glass or if the installation was poorly executed. Sometimes windows won’t have the proper weatherstripping or insulation, and they won’t provide the right comfort level for your home.
Fortunately, you can usually tell when your windows require an upgrade. They have a way of letting you know when there’s a problem — aside from feeling too cold or too hot. Here’s what to look for if you think your windows need to be replaced.
Window Operation
You’ll know that it’s time for new windows when opening and closing them is difficult to do. Does it require a bit of pressure or force to operate the windows? Are they painted shut? If so, it’s time to replace the windows in your home. It should never be a chore to open windows — they should always open and close effortlessly.
High Energy Bills
Have your winter utility bills been sky-high this year, even though you closely monitor the thermostat and always keep the windows and doors closed? You may have drafty windows. Drafty windows have been poorly sealed and have tiny gaps causing cold air to blow in and out of your house. The air leakage also causes your utility bills to increase because your heating system is working in overdrive as you turn up the heat, trying to make up for all of that lost warm air.
Condensation
Is there a cloudy frost forming between the glass layers of one or several of your windows? This type of condensation means that the window seals have failed, allowing moisture to live between the glass panes. Once the seal stops working, any insulating gas used to make the window energy efficient has gone.
The Next Step: Energy Efficiency
If your windows are currently not providing comfort or warmth and are causing outrageously high utility bills, it’s time to replace them. Find a windows and doors company that manufactures and installs energy-efficient products. Energy-efficient windows provide superior protection and are designed to trap pleasant temperatures inside your home. You’ll consume less energy with such windows because there won’t be a need to turn up the heat or the AC.
Energy-efficient windows hold heat inside your home in the winter, and they’re also perfect for warm weather. They have a special coating that shields your home from the sun’s ultraviolet rays so that you won’t feel that blazing hot sunshine during the summer months.
If you experience any irregularities within your windows, don’t wait to fix them. The sooner you replace them, the more comfortable you’ll be!
