The number one thing that can improve the energy efficiency inside your house is well-designed windows. Well-designed windows also enable more natural light to enter your living space. Besides, the better the windows are, the more curb appeal your house will have. The burning question is this: when was the last time you checked the condition of your windows?
As a homeowner, you need to be aware of the essential signs that indicate that your house needs new windows.
How to Know You Have Drafty Windows?
There are several methods to find out that you have a drafty window. When the temperature is cold, you might want to wear a T-shirt and stand next to a window. If you feel that the temperature is different from the temperature in the rest of your home, you have a drafty window. Another way to find out that you are dealing with a drafty window is to hold a candle near the four corners of the window. If you see that the flame flickers, you know that there is a draft and you need to upgrade your windows.
Shop Double Glazed Glass Windows for Insulation
If you have been noticing that the electricity bill is going up, there is a good chance that you might be dealing with drafty windows, in which case, you should Shop Double Glazed Glass Windows as these types of windows comprise two glass panes where the middle includes sealed argon gas insulation. What this means is that you will enjoy better insulation at home, which will help you save money on your energy bill.
How to Know You Have A Difficult Operating Window?
Go to each room of your house and check out the operation of each of your windows. If you need to use force to open the windows or if they are painted or swollen shut – this is a sign that it is time to replace those windows. Wooden windows are especially notorious for this. Ideally, windows should open or close effortlessly.
Choose Impact Windows with Reinforced Frames
If you have difficulty operating your windows, you are better off with impact windows. Why, you might ask? Well, here is the thing: impact windows are the ideal solution for outdated as well as drafty windows. Impact windows comprise reinforced frames, which means that these are essentially impact-resistant as they are exclusively designed to withstand flying debris as well as high winds. The glass of impact windows is made of a combination of laminated and tempered glass, which means that the glass is thicker than the standard glass window.
Watch Out for Leaky Windows and Rotten Frames
As a homeowner, especially if you are living in an old house, you should look out for rotting frames and leaky windows. When wood is continuously exposed to moisture, it tends to warp. With the passing of time, the moisture that the windows are exposed to not only ruin the frames but also cause more serious window decay down the road.
You might as well watch out for the windows leaking water. If this happens, it means that you are dealing with poor insulation or the window’s seal unit has failed.