When it comes to home maintenance, there are certain areas that create endless frustration for renters and homeowners alike. One of the most common problems is heat loss through windows. This problem can easily be fixed with a few simple tips that will not only save you money but also make your house more comfortable year-round, without sacrificing any light coming into your home either.
Possibly the most frustrating problem for homeowners is heat loss through their windows. There are several factors that contribute to this heating issue including:
- Insufficient glazing
- Seals improperly installed or faulty caulking
- Improperly sealed window frames
- Insufficient weather stripping
- Dense vegetation just outside of a window
All of these factors can play a role in allowing heat to escape from your home through the windows. This is especially true during winter months when warm air escapes into the outside and cold air enters your home.
Another reason that homeowners need to address their windows concerns cold drafts. If you have ever sat by a closed window on a cold day, a cold draft is the chill that hits you as soon as you part the closed curtains or blinds. A draft can be seen with water vapour around your windows, which makes them appear foggy from the inside out. If this occurs it means your house is losing heat due to a failed seal somewhere along your window’s construction. Your furnace has to work harder to keep the house warm. Even more, extreme drafts can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down.
Fixing Drafts
A common solution that homeowners use to help their drafty windows is simple weatherproofing techniques. You can easily purchase some insulation foam tape at any hardware store, or just use folded-up newspaper along any window frame or sliding glass door track.
Fixing Windows / Window Replacement
Depending on how bad your current windows are, you may need to invest in some new windows. While this can be costly, it will save you money on your monthly energy bills. There are different types of windows that work better for all seasons such as Low-E window film, double-paned windows, and triple-pane windows. If the problem has been occurring during the winter months, then replace your single or double pane windows with newer, more efficient ones that can keep out the cold.
Another option homeowners have when it comes to fixing drafty windows is vinyl replacement windows. These are often a more affordable alternative to wood or aluminum framed windows. This can save you money on installation costs as well as monthly energy bills, which helps make up for the initial cost of buying new replacement windows.
Don’t let your windows cause you anymore problems. When you are in need of quality windows to replace your current ones, then be sure to get in touch with VR Windows and Doors. Whether you want casement, awning, or bay windows, we’ve got you covered. Call us today at (416) 717-2730.
