Are you currently thinking about upgrading your windows, but you're not really sure if that’s necessary? The truth is that there are cases when holding onto your old windows is a good idea, but if you're experiencing issue with their efficiency or structure, then that’s a red flag they need to be updated as soon as possible. Below we're going to explore some of the clear signs that tell you it's time to replace your current windows. You can also find more information about house windows and thie types by following this link - http://www.illinoissidinginstaller.com/
Your home is drafty
Consider Window Replacement Chicago to fix all those draft problems.
No matter how great your windows are, they are still going to allow a slight amount of air to infiltrate your home, but when that’s something you can notice or feel, that’s when you have a problem on your hands. Why does that happen in the first place? Well, it's because in time, windows wear out.
For instance, if you have wood windows, then they can become warped if they are exposed to moisture. The effect this has on the window is that it makes it too tight to be properly operated, but it can also create gaps in several other areas. Another scenario where air infiltrates a window is when the frames and the corners of the sashes create gaps after they've become loose and therefore allow air to penetrate the window. When this happens, a lot of homeowners will consider applying weather stripping, but that’s not really going to fix the issue. That’s because the leak isn’t caused by damaged or missing weather stripping. But if you're looking for a temporary fix, then you can go ahead and seal or strip the window.
So at the end of the day, what is a good way to avoid these drafts in the first place? Well, it seems that you need to consider replacing your windows entirely. You're having trouble opening or shutting your windows If you cannot close or open your windows properly, then this is a clear sign you need to consider replacing them as soon as possible. This is especially the case for single hung or double hung windows that have issues with balance. If the balance is not there, then this is going to cause the window to slam shut which poses a possible hazard. Keep in mind that even if you have metal or wood windows, they can experience similar operating failures.
There's condensation inside the glass
If you have tripled paned or double paned windows and you noticed there's condensation inside the glass, then it might be a good idea to consider replacing the window altogether (based on the severity of the issues).
When there's fog or condensation between the glass panels, this is a sign of seal failure. If you're currently dealing with one or more windows that exhibit this kind of problem, then you should know the insulated glass isn’t doing its job anymore and that is creating a barrier to cold air.
Another clear sign that the seal has failed is this one: If you notice condensation between the panes of glass and a white film deposited on the glass, then this spells trouble. Sometimes, there won't be any condensation, but if you do see the thin white film, this is solid proof the insulated glass unit simply failed.
You get high energy bills
If you've started to receive really high energy bills, then it could be that your furnace is not efficient anymore or it can also mean that your windows are simply not energy efficient.
So in this case, would it be a good idea to consider replacing your windows?
Based on information from the Department of Energy, if you have a window that exhibits poor energy efficiency, it's a much better choice to consider replacing these windows instead of improving energy efficiency. After installing a new set of windows, they are going to pay for themselves through lower cooling and heating costs and sometimes, they can even reduce your lighting costs (as odd as it may sound).
What type of energy efficient windows should I get?
The Department of Energy recommends that people consider getting ENERGY STAR windows or windows that have a minimum of 2 panes of glass. Since these are known to be high performance windows, you can have the peace of mind that they're going to meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the Department of Energy.
Your home is drafty
Consider Window Replacement Chicago to fix all those draft problems.
No matter how great your windows are, they are still going to allow a slight amount of air to infiltrate your home, but when that’s something you can notice or feel, that’s when you have a problem on your hands. Why does that happen in the first place? Well, it's because in time, windows wear out.
For instance, if you have wood windows, then they can become warped if they are exposed to moisture. The effect this has on the window is that it makes it too tight to be properly operated, but it can also create gaps in several other areas. Another scenario where air infiltrates a window is when the frames and the corners of the sashes create gaps after they've become loose and therefore allow air to penetrate the window. When this happens, a lot of homeowners will consider applying weather stripping, but that’s not really going to fix the issue. That’s because the leak isn’t caused by damaged or missing weather stripping. But if you're looking for a temporary fix, then you can go ahead and seal or strip the window.
So at the end of the day, what is a good way to avoid these drafts in the first place? Well, it seems that you need to consider replacing your windows entirely. You're having trouble opening or shutting your windows If you cannot close or open your windows properly, then this is a clear sign you need to consider replacing them as soon as possible. This is especially the case for single hung or double hung windows that have issues with balance. If the balance is not there, then this is going to cause the window to slam shut which poses a possible hazard. Keep in mind that even if you have metal or wood windows, they can experience similar operating failures.
There's condensation inside the glass
If you have tripled paned or double paned windows and you noticed there's condensation inside the glass, then it might be a good idea to consider replacing the window altogether (based on the severity of the issues).
When there's fog or condensation between the glass panels, this is a sign of seal failure. If you're currently dealing with one or more windows that exhibit this kind of problem, then you should know the insulated glass isn’t doing its job anymore and that is creating a barrier to cold air.
Another clear sign that the seal has failed is this one: If you notice condensation between the panes of glass and a white film deposited on the glass, then this spells trouble. Sometimes, there won't be any condensation, but if you do see the thin white film, this is solid proof the insulated glass unit simply failed.
You get high energy bills
If you've started to receive really high energy bills, then it could be that your furnace is not efficient anymore or it can also mean that your windows are simply not energy efficient.
So in this case, would it be a good idea to consider replacing your windows?
Based on information from the Department of Energy, if you have a window that exhibits poor energy efficiency, it's a much better choice to consider replacing these windows instead of improving energy efficiency. After installing a new set of windows, they are going to pay for themselves through lower cooling and heating costs and sometimes, they can even reduce your lighting costs (as odd as it may sound).
What type of energy efficient windows should I get?
The Department of Energy recommends that people consider getting ENERGY STAR windows or windows that have a minimum of 2 panes of glass. Since these are known to be high performance windows, you can have the peace of mind that they're going to meet the energy efficiency guidelines set by the Department of Energy.