The windows in your home can be an area that really makes your energy costs skyrocket. For homes here in the Plymouth Michigan and surrounding areas, the cold air of winter can really cause energy bills to skyrocket for homes that have windows that leak air. When a window allows air to enter the home; especially cold air, it can cause your furnace to work that much harder to attempt to keep the home warm. This can put a strain on the system and likely cause it to use more energy and decrease it’s life cycle. Checking the windows in your Michigan home for leaking air can save you money. In this article I’ll discuss some things that you can do to help stop the air from entering your home and how you can check to see if this affects your home.
Are The Windows in Your Michigan Home Leaking Air?
The walls in your home likely have insulation packed in them to keep the cold air outside and the warm air inside on cold days and nights. Your windows also have this insulation factor and when they aren’t performing as they should they don’t insulate the home as they should which allows for warm air to escape in winter and cold air to enter the home. The windows in your Michigan home are one of the biggest factors why your home may be losing heat in the winter. Checking the windows in your Michigan home for leaking air is one way to determine if you should get them replaced or repaired. I’ll go over some ways to check your windows for leaking air below.
The windows in your Michigan home are one of the biggest factors why your home may be losing heat in the winter. Checking the windows in your Michigan home for leaking air is one way to determine if you should get them replaced or repaired.
Check for Broken Glass on Your Home’s Windows
One of the problems that can cause a window to allow air to enter the home is a broken glass. The class doesn’t need to be shattered in order to do this. A small crack in the window can allow the pressurized gases in the window to escape allowing the window to lose its insulating properties. This is also known as the glass or sash being blown. In order for a sash to be blown there doesn’t need to be any broken glass just a broken seal on the window which is likely not visible with a normal inspection. There is a tell tale sign that means the sash is blown however and that is condensation that builds up between the glasses in the sash. If you see this condensation on your home’s windows it likely means they are not performing as they should and are leaking air. Getting the sash replaced or the window replaced is a must to ensure your home is protected.
Look for Signs of Water Damage Around the Window
Another tell tale sign of leaking air is water that enters around the window. You may see signs of water damage such as browning of the molding or window frame. Leaking windows which allow water to enter will also allow air. The leaking water may also lead to mold growth if allowed to leak long enough.
Check for Damages to Tracks and Locking Mechanisms
The part of the window where the two sashes come together is another likely place to find leaking air. The seal between the two sashes may not be working correctly which allows air to enter. Also check in areas such as the locking mechanism to determine if it lines up correctly and is not forced. Your home could settle which may put the window into a bind which could lead to air leaking around the window.
Call Home Pros Plymouth When You Need New Windows Installed
If you suspect your home windows are not performing as they should or you just want to upgrade your home’s windows to a more energy efficient and modern window make sure you give Home Pros Plymouth a call at (734) 548-9911. We are the best home improvement contractor in Plymouth Michigan and we can give you a free estimate on your next window project.
