Your windows are costing you money – here’s how
If there’s one thing that Canadians agree on, it is that a home cannot be warm and cozy without high-quality windows. According to the window installation experts at NorthShield Windows and Doors, poorly installed or low-quality windows can account for up to 40 per cent of wasted energy, which equals wasted money on bills. If you’ve noticed a spike in your monthly electricity bills, or your heating bills seem to be consistently high, it’s time to check up on your windows. Chances are, that’s where you’re losing your money. Here are the 5 main clues and solutions to common energy-wasting window problems:
1. Drafty windows
Drafty is never good, especially when it comes to Canadian weather, which can be pretty extreme. According to NorthShield Windows and Doors, many households in Toronto struggle with drafty windows, and that’s the main reason why they opt for window replacement.
How to check: Air leaks can come from multiple sources. They will often emerge from small cracks and openings that are hard to notice. Window installation professionals at NorthShield recommend doing a simple hand test (placing your hand around all edges of exterior doors and windows) to check for air puffs and checking the caulking between the window and the wall.
The solution: The main thing that prevents drafts is proper installation and insulation. Reliable window installation professionals will perform several tests to check for air leakage before they complete the job. In addition, there are plenty of window options with airtight seals that prevent air from escaping. If window replacement is too big of a venture for you, consider re-caulking or weather-stripping.
2. Trouble closing and opening
Non-functional windows can severely affect the insulation in your home. Aside from air leakage that comes from the gaps, inoperable windows can also pose a safety hazard. A burst of air could make them open abruptly, or they could slam shut if there is a balance problem.
How to check: If you notice any difficulty in closing and opening your windows, it means there is a fault in either the mechanism or the structure of the window. Quality windows should close smoothly and sit tight in the frame.
The solution: A window is much more than the glass itself. The frame and the opening mechanisms are major factors that determine how well they perform. Professional window installers such as NorthShield Windows and Doors offer a wide variety of modern windows with advanced opening and closing mechanisms to make sure windows are airtight. In the case of a faulty mechanism or a balance problem, it is best to have an expert inspect the windows.
3. Not enough insulation
According to NorthShield, the majority of homes in Toronto do not have the right level of insulation in their windows. The main issue is the heat transfer, which becomes higher with poorly insulated windows. The bigger the heat transfer, the bigger the energy loss (warm/cool air is not contained within the premises of the home).
How to check: Remove the interior casing of the window and check the spacing. This will give you a pretty clear picture of how well your windows are insulated, and you’ll be able to determine whether you need to add more caulking or upgrade to better windows.
The solution: Windows with multiple insulated chambers have become a real necessity in Canada. Winter weather in Toronto can be brutal, which is why most households opt for the double-paned insulated gas windows. In more extreme weather conditions, such as in Winnipeg, many households opt for triple-paned windows. Double- and triple-paned windows have insulated chambers filled with argon gas, which slows down the heat transfer. In addition to multiple panes, look for Low-E, high-performance glass that optimizes the thermal properties of your windows.
4. Broken seals
In multiple-pane windows, energy loss can occur with broken window seals, which allows air to escape.
How to check: Check for condensation – the main indicator of a broken window seal is fogging, hazing or moisture between the window panes. It is likely to occur when there is a big difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, and it may disappear as humidity levels and temperatures change.
The solution: File a warranty claim. Reputable window installation companies in Toronto offer a lifetime warranty (the expected lifetime of the window as determined by the manufacturer) for their insulated windows. Make sure you keep all warranty literature and carefully read the conditions when installing new windows.
5. Leaky windows
Leaky windows lead to moisture in the home, which poses a significant health hazard and can lead to costly renovations. Window leakage commonly happens around the seals, and it is most often caused by improperly glazed windows or poor installation.
How to test: Window leaks are visible issues that can be quickly spotted. Check for drips around the window and perform regular inspections.
The solution: Window leakage can be solved either by re-sealing damaged exterior caulking or by a full frame replacement. When replacing the windows, professionals will be able to remove all of the damaged residue from the previous windows and solve the problem for good.
Source: https://bit.ly/2lZAuA3
