December 21 marked the official start of winter. If you haven’t prepared your home for the cold season, think about setting aside a few minutes to do it. Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t have to be difficult. You can start with your windows.
Here are some things you can do to prepare your windows for the season:
Check for Gaps
There are many ways to check for air leaks. You may shake your windows a little. If they rattle, the frames are not secured properly, which means there may be spaces where air and moisture may pass through.
You can also perform a smoke test. When doing this, make sure you’ve turned off combustion appliances like heaters. In addition, close all doors and windows. Leave exhaust vents in the bathroom and kitchen turned on. Light an incense stick near the frame. If the smoke moves and is drawn inward, it means outdoor air is passing through gaps.
Check for Condensation
Condensation on the inner surfaces of a double-pane window means the seals are damaged. If your windows look foggy or misty, they are not as airtight as you thought they were. You should also look for cracks on the glass as air may leak through them.
If condensation is present on your windows, think about buying new Westchester windows as this problem cannot be fixed.
Check for Worn-Out Weather Stripping
Weather stripping helps you save energy and maintain comfort in your home as it prevents air leaks. Unfortunately, it deteriorates over time. Even if you have durable windows, they won’t be able to perform efficiently if the weather stripping is worn.
If the weather stripping is cracked or brittle, it is not effective in protecting your home from air leaks. In addition, if it is loose or out of shape, it’s time to replace it.
Making sure your windows are ready for winter can help you avoid pricey repairs. Condensation, cracks, and undetected air leaks can lead to a variety of problems. Furthermore, they may reduce comfort in your home and increase your energy usage.
Problems with your windows? Consult Renewal by Andersen® of Westchester. We can help you inspect them and provide recommendations on a replacement Westchester window that suits your home.
