subject: Throwing Money And Energy Out Your Windows [print this page] No questions whether windows are necessary in your home or office. They are a source of light, a source for a view and a source for air circulation depending upon the temperature. However, when it comes to energy, windows can cost you a bundle. The fact is that windows which do not have much insulation can be costing you up to 35 percent of your energy bills.
Before you think of becoming more energy efficient by replacing your windows, think about ways in which you can repair your windows that will cost you less. If you have older windows, it may be necessary to replace them. The experts tell us our home windows should be replaced every 10 to 20 years depending upon the type of window and the insulation. You need to keep in mind, however, it is not so much their age as the way in which they work.
Use a candle check to find out if there is a draft coming from your windows. Sometimes you may not be able to feel a draft, but a candle flickering by a window will give you an idea that there is a draft. Try to do this test during a windy day. Run the candle along the edges and the panes. Do this slowly so the candle fire does not move more than necessary. Notice where there is movement of the candle and that is the location of the problem.
It may be you only need to caulk around the interior or the exterior of your windows. It may be that you need weather stripping around the windows. You can purchase self stick foam as well as rolled up rubber weather stripping that can be added to most any window. Or you may want to place a thin, clean plastic film over the problem window. The film will need to be stretched tightly over the window. First use a blog dryer to remove any wrinkles and then use a two sided tape to seal down the edges to keep the air out. These are good solutions if you cannot replace drafty windows in your home during the winter.
A good window gives your home good protection. You want the heat to stay in during the winter months and the cold not to enter your home. In the summer it is the opposite, in which you want the cool air to stay in and the hot air to stay out doors. This is when you know that if your windows has cracks, and breaks and other missing pieces so that the window is compromised, it may end up costing you less to again purchase a new window.
When you are replacing windows you do not have to purchase the most expensive to save money. On the other hand, because your windows are probably the large portion of money that you use for rent, you want to purchase the highest quality, energy efficient windows you can. They should look the way you want them, but it is more important to get windows that keep temperatures even throughout your home. Granted purchasing new windows is expensive but good windows can save you money.
