Preventing Air Leaks From Your Windows
You want to make sure you do what you can to prevent air leaks from around your windows in your home. If you allow these leaks to continue, then you will have a very hard time keeping your home at a temperature that leaves your family feeling comfortable. Also, you may find you are putting more wear and tear on your heating and cooling system, by using it more than you would have to otherwise. Also, the more you have to use the heating and air conditioning units, the more you will be paying for your electricity during the months you heat and cool your home. Here are some tips for better-sealing your windows:
Check the window sills – The first thing you want to do is to check the window sills to make sure they are in great shape still. You don't want to find that they have termites or that they have been destroyed by water or time. If you see that there is any amount of damage to your window sills, then you want to have them professionally repaired right away.
Check the condition of the window frames – You should press on the windows very gently, to make sure they don't move within the window frames. If they do, then you should have the problem taken care of right away. Having the windows be loose in the frames like this can cause different issues. It can cause your windows to shake, when there are loud noises outside, and if they shake enough, then they can even break. You will even hear a lot more noise from outside, when the window is in the frame loose. A lot of air from outside can also come into the house around the window, if it isn't fitting in the frame correctly.
Replace cracked windows – If you have cracks in any of your windows, you should have them replaced right away. No matter how small the cracks are, it won't take much at all for them to become larger or even break. If the crack also has holes or gaps in it, then you can lose huge amounts of air right through them.
Consider replacing windows with double paned windows – If you are going to be replacing your windows, or you are just looking for a way to better insulate the house, then you may want to think about putting in double paned windows. They give you extra sound proofing, weather proofing, and security.
If the leaks are bad enough, you may want to consider new window installation. It could save you a lot of money in the long run.