Does it seem like your house is colder than normal? Do you find yourself having to increase the temperature on your thermostat, put on another sweater or extra socks, or bundle up in a warm, cozy blanket because it’s too cold in your house? Your house may be leaking precious heat from drafty windows and doors!
Are you finding your energy bills increasing – more than usual? The rates of natural gas and electricity have been increasing due to global supply volatility and supply chain issues. There are ways that you can make your home more energy efficient. There are numerous places within your home that are susceptible to air leaks, however, the common culprits are drafty windows or doors. There are some tips to quickly figure out where the warm air may be escaping, however first we need to figure out what is causing the draft and energy loss in your home.
What Causes Drafty Windows or Doors?
When drafty windows and doors become a source of air leaks and increased energy bills, it is a telltale sign that they have probably reached the end of their lifespan. Aging windows and doors deteriorate in quality over time and can develop leaks. If you have newer windows that are experiencing air leaks or are drafty, this could be a sign of poor installation, inexperienced installers, or an ill-fitting window. If your caulking is old or insufficient, it will allow gaps to form between the frame and siding. Another issue could be that your windows or doors have broken seals, which are the layers in between the layers of glass.
Are your Windows & Doors Properly Sealed & Insulated?
You could save as much as 15% on your energy bills by making sure your windows and doors are properly sealed and insulated. Older windows and doors are prone to drafts as they lack modern insulation and weatherproofing. In addition, sealants used to help to close air gaps naturally break over time from wear and tear.
Start with a simple visual inspection. Look for visible cracks around the frames of the windows and/or doors. Also, check the caulking and weather stripping. Are they cracked or are they even there? If so, then you have air leaks.
Inspect the individual panes of glass for damaged glazing, or any splits or cracks. To check for air leaks, take a wet or damp hand, and hover your hand over the windows or doors. This is best to do on a windy day for maximum results. The damp hand will help you feel any drafts as you will be able to feel the cold air on your hand. Another option is to lightly push on your windows. Do you feel any movement or hear any rattling them? If the answer is yes, then chances are that you have an air leak and are losing precious heat (and your hard-earned money) literally out the window.
An easy, and free solution for you to try a simple air leak detection is to just hold a light piece of toilet paper or paper around the window or door frame. If there is a gap or air leak, the paper will move. You could also try to open your window and place a piece of paper on the windowsill, then close the window. Try to tug the paper out. Does it come out too easily? Then you have an air gap. If you can’t pull the paper out without some resistance, then your weatherstripping is holding up.
Air Leak Detectors
Need a professional opinion? The Team at New Windows for America has the proper equipment to detect your windows and doors to check for air leaks. This test creates an environment that increases the infiltration of air through the cracks in your house. We can help detect and magnify the drafts in your windows and doors making them more easily identifiable and help you determine whether your house could benefit from investing in new, energy-efficient windows or doors.
Even though window replacement may seem expensive, and can sometimes be a large project, when you out weight the cost of heating a drafty home for the cost of replacing your windows, you will find the benefit in no time with your new windows and doors. Finding and being able to rely on an expert window company that has experienced, and professional contractors will help to not disrupt your daily routine, as well as give you, the homeowner, the peace of mind of knowing that the job is done correctly, efficiently, and effectively.
Replacing windows and doors is a relatively quick and easy home improvement project and the benefits are many. If you are seeing any visible signs of drafty windows, give us a call at 303.920.0175 and the team at New Windows for America can help you with your window or door replacement needs.
Contact our New Windows for America Team today and get a free estimate.