If you have an old house, you’re probably already familiar with making repairs, and the need to save money. Although replacing your windows may seem expensive up front, it saves energy dollars in the long run. And currently there are federal tax credits available for energy-efficient upgrades which can offset the cost even more.
How do you know when your windows need to be replaced? These four methods test the insulation and integrity of your windows.
Candle
You can check for leaks with a lit candle. Make sure your windows are completely shut, light a candle and move it along each edge of your windows. If the flame flickers, that means you have a leak. However, if it goes out completely, there’s a big problem. The flickering tells you that air is coming in from the outside and letting valuable heat escape.
While you’re at it, feel for hot or cold spots with your hand.
Tap Test
If there’s mold or condensation around your windows, you have a leak. An easy way to found out what shape your window frames are in is to give them a gentle tap with the edge of a butter knife or flat blade screwdriver. When the wood gives without resistance, you may need completes window frame replacement.
Caulking
To do this test, you’ll need to work with a partner. As you or your partner goes around the house, one shines the light around the window frame, while the other watches to see if any comes through. If light does come through, you need repairs. While you’re at it, watch for chipping paint. Paint chips can signal built up moisture and leaks.
Functionality
Think about how easy or hard it is to open and close your windows. If it’s difficult to do so, or you need to support it to keep the window open, a replacement is a good idea.
When you replace leaking, inefficient windows, you’re saving yourself money in energy costs and adding value to your house. Finding the right replacement windows is especially important when you have an older or historic home. We specialize in these types of homes, and we can make suggestions that can help you increase your energy efficiency, reduce your window maintenance, and still preserve the charm and architectural feel of your home.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
