With the cooler months approaching, having drafty windows and doors can be an annoyance that drives up your heating bills even when using an energy-efficient HVAC system.
Studies suggest that a single drafty window can reduce your heating efficiency by up to 25%. Now, imagine the damage to your energy costs if you have multiple windows allowing cold air in from outside. Here are five signs that you might have drafty windows.
1. The Seal Is Cracking or Damaged
The seals around the panes and casings should not be cracked or suffering from dry rot. The expansion and contraction of the material that the window is made from can cause seals to break over time, especially with older windows and those with wooden casings. This break in the windows seal is a common culprit for letting drafts into the home.
2. The Window Is Crooked
Crooked windows are often hard to close and latch. This creates additional space between the casings, which is another place for cold winter drafts to enter the home and increase your heating bill or to increase your cooling bills in the summer.
3. Condensation on the Windows or Between the Panes
Condensation between the window panes can be a clear indicator of failed seals while excessive condensation on the inside of the window pane can be an indicator of generally poor performance. Windows that retain condensation may indicate the need for replacement.
4. The Window Panes Are Cracked
If you have insulated windows filled with argon gas between the panes to increase energy efficiency, this benefit will have been lost with cracked window panes.
5. The Curtains Move When the Window Is Closed
If your curtains are blowing in the breeze, but your windows are closed, it’s probably not a good sign. Make sure that it is a draft that is moving the curtains and not a nearby vent from a forced-air heating or cooling unit. If you’re unsure, turn off the AC or furnace, and see if the curtains keep moving.
If you are in need of new window and door installation, turn to Ganser Company. Our windows and doors are energy-efficient, durable, beautiful and available in a variety of styles to suit any home’s design. Ganser Company’s windows and doors will improve your home’s comfort as well as its overall look, making them one of the smartest home improvement investments you can make.
Call us today at (608) 699-6492, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.