Part of being a homeowner is keeping an eye on energy savings, repairs and safety. Having the right windows can make your home a happy one.
If your windows are more than 15 years old, it's probably a good time to make sure they are still operating properly. Signs to look for are: consistently finding moisture on a windows' interior; worn-out locks; fading on draperies or furniture; leaking of air or water during the winter or summer months; and windows or frames that are rotting, falling apart or not opening and closing correctly. If problems of this nature persist, higher gas and electric bills may be next. Replacing your old windows with new ones will lower those energy bills.
If the weather outside is causing problems inside your home, you've got a problem
Inefficient windows can leak, allowing water to come into your house in front of and behind the walls, which is a leading cause of mold and mildew in homes. Bob Camire, head of sales training for Renewal by Andersen of Dayton, says if this is happening, it may be time to consider having your windows evaluated.
Old, damaged windows or patio doors often leak air, resulting in high energy bills during peak heating and cooling months. The glass may be loose or the seal between the sash and frame may have weakened. Andersen recommends replacing old single-pane windows with new windows that feature dual-pane, low-E glass for substantial energy savings.
"If a window is showing signs of failure, (allowing moisture inside/seal failure/rotting), our in-home consultation process will allow us to assess your current needs to determine if window replacement is recommended," Camire said. "Renewal by Andersen products feature Fibrex composite material that combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance features of vinyl. Choose a style that matches the other windows in your home. In many cases, you can take the opportunity to do more than a simple replacement. Why not enhance your home's look from the inside and out, while improving your home's overall energy efficiency?"
Many older homes still use their original windows built with single-pane glass. A common problem seen with older windows is that they are difficult to operate, and during winter months they feel cold or icy to the touch. They're also known to develop frost on the inside, which increases the chances of breakage, ultimately causing damage to your home.
Andersen introduced dual-pane glass in 1952, setting a new standard for energy efficiency in windows.
"The number of glass panes doesn't matter as much as the quality of the low-E coatings on the glass." Camire said. "Low-E coatings reflect heat and block UV rays that can damage furniture, artwork or draperies. Upgrading your windows to more energy-efficient products can potentially reduce fading."
Another reason to replace windows involves safety
Besides being an important safety concern, windows and patio doors left opened or just unlocked allow air to escape, which greatly reduces the energy efficiency of your home. Replacing your windows helps eliminate this problem. Worn-out locks, windows that are painted shut, and windows with poor operation all can present safety hazards to you and your loved ones, as well.
Renewal by Andersen can provide tips and solutions to help you determine if it's time to replace or upgrade your home's windows. For more information or to set up an appointment, call (937) 949-4455 or visit the RbA Dayton website.
