Your doors and windows are part of your home’s energy efficiency. When they are malfunctioning, it can increase the price of energy, reduce the comfort level of your home, and even its value in the long run. So, how do you know when to take action? Four indicators that your doors and windows are energy inefficient are the following:
1. Drafts and Air Leaks
Feel a cold draft or feel warmth escaping around your doors and windows? If they’re closed, you’re getting drafts. Leaks of air occur as seals between your window or door frame and house get weaker with time. The openings create avenues for outdoor air to invade and conditioned air to escape, causing your heating or cooling apparatus to run longer than needed. Not only is this more costly in terms of energy, but it can also make areas of your house unbearably warm or cold, depending on the time of year.
2. Condensation on Glass
Condensation between double or triple glazing is another sign of inefficiency. This usually occurs when the seal is compromised, with the insulating gas sandwiched between the panes seeping away. Without proper insulation, the windows are no longer effective at controlling the temperature. Too much moisture can also help in the development of mould and create unsanitary living conditions in your house.
3. Difficulty Closing and Opening
Stiff windows and doors may be more than a minor nuisance. More often, it indicates that frames have warped over the years, either from old wood or excessive exposures to the weather. Warped windows and doors won’t close securely within their frames, and the air leaks in or out. Not only is this inefficiency uncomfortable, but also makes your home less secure.
4. Visible Wear and Tear
Rotting wood, broken glass, or chipped paint are visible signs of wear and tear that reduce energy efficiency. Broken frames or glass are holes through which air and moisture get into your home. For the wood part, rot weakens the structure so much that it can no longer insulate. If you didn’t know, issues such as these can accumulate and create small inefficiencies that turn into big ones that are expensive to fix or replace.
Watch for the Warning Signs
Window and door inefficiency is more than just inconvenient—it’s stealing from your wallet and your home comfort level.
Watching for the warning signs enables you to contact companies like Ultimate Windows to correct the problem before they become a bigger issue. Whether they are sealing leaky windows, new energy-efficient window replacement, or repairing broken doors, addressing these issues early can literally pay off by making your home more efficient and saving you money in the long run.
If you’re not certain whether your home is energy-efficient, you may want to pay a professional to have it evaluated for you.
