Even if you don’t give much thought to the energy efficiency of your home during the warmer months, it is an even greater concern in winter. There are several factors to consider, including your windows and doors. If you are wondering how you can best prepare for winter, you should follow these steps to inspect your windows.
Check for the inflow of air
The first thing you want to check is whether or not you can feel air flowing in through your windows even when they are closed. You can check this fairly easily by simply moving your hand slowly around the window to feel if any air from the outside is getting in. It also helps if there is a fairly significant difference between the temperature inside your home and that outside. If your windows are not properly sealed, it will allow heat to escape during the winter. Your heating system will, therefore, need to work so much harder just to keep your home warm.
Inspect the chalking
The chalking on the exterior of your window is there to prevent air from flowing between your home and the exterior. This is not applicable to all types of windows and is usually found on older windows. If you notice that the chalking is not intact, it can allow air and water infiltration. You can patch it up for now if you are not able to replace the window at this time. If the window is particularly old, it would be worth preparing for a window replacement as soon as possible.
Check how it operates
Your windows rely on durable working mechanisms to keep them operating smoothly. If you notice that your window is not operating smoothly or if it will not open or close, it can compromise the energy efficiency of your home. It can also prove to be a weakness in terms of security. You should check the working mechanisms of your windows and make sure that they are operating as they should. If you notice the mechanism ‘sticking’ in any way, it is important to have this problem fixed sooner rather than later. The last thing you want is for your window to get stuck open during a storm.
Look for condensation
As soon as temperatures get colder outside, you may notice condensation on your windows. This might not indicate a problem. However, if there is water trapped between the glass panes, this is more serious and will require a window replacement. Have a windows and doors expert assess the state of this window in order to determine the best course of action.
Remember, prompt action will help you ensure that your home is cozy all winter long. Even if you cannot afford to replace all of your old windows, you should at least address those that are clearly faulty and will lead to more serious problems in the winter.
(Syndicated press content)
