When Is It Time to Weatherize Your Windows for Winter?
When Is It Time to Weatherize Your Windows for Winter?
As the summer comes to a close, it’s time to think about preparing your home for winter. At this time of year, many savvy homeowners choose to weatherize their windows in preparation for the upcoming cold weather. Weatherizing your windows can save you money on your heating bills while making your home more comfortable when the cold wind blows.
Signs Your Windows Need Weatherizing
Weatherizing doesn’t need to be done to every window every year, so knowing the signs that it’s time can make the process easier.
Drafts. Do you feel drafts near your windows when it’s windy or chilly outside? This is a sign that your windows are leaking and need to be sealed.
Hot or cold spots. If your windows are energy inefficient, you might feel hot spots near the windows in your house in times of warm weather and cold spots when the temperature drops outside.
Rising HVAC costs. Are you spending more each winter on heating, or more each summer on A/C? Rising heating and air conditioning costs could be occurring because of energy leaks around your windows.
Is It Better to Weatherize in Fall or Spring?
Plan to weatherize whenever you’ve noticed that your windows need it! Inefficient windows cost you money in both hot (high electric bills) and cold (high oil or natural gas bills) seasons. Inspect your windows twice annually: once in the fall and once in the spring. Get the project done when you’ve seen the signs that your windows are contributing to uncomfortable temperatures inside your home.
Benefits of Weatherizing Your Windows
Below are some benefits you can expect when you take on this project in your house.
Improve comfort at home. Expect to feel more comfortable throughout the winter and summer with windows that keep out the extreme weather and reduce drafts.
Reduce the burden on your home’s air conditioner or furnace. Weatherizing can cut down on wear and tear on your home’s HVAC system. Expect your HVAC system to run less and need less maintenance over time.
Window Weatherizing Tips
Here’s what to do when it’s time to weatherize your windows.
Install weatherstripping. Weatherstripping is sold in home improvement centers and in hardware stores. It fills the gaps between your windows and the frames, reducing drafts and preventing energy leaks.
Inspect and replace caulking. Caulking around your windows helps seal your windows and prevent moisture and energy leaks. Replace missing and cracked caulking to prevent moisture and energy leaks.
Replace broken glazing. Broken glazing (glass) promotes the exchange of air between your home’s interior and exterior. Replace cracked or broken glass in your windows.
Install storm windows if you have them. Older homes have storm windows, which can help keep out drafts and improve energy efficiency in your home throughout the winter.
Need New Energy Efficient Windows? Get Started Today
Older windows can have a variety of problems that make them less energy-efficient in winter and summer. If your windows are several decades old, it may be time to replace them with new highly energy efficient windows. Call Renewal by Andersen of Long Island at (866) 609-5033 or fill in the short form on this page to make an appointment for your free initial consultation.
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