How Replacement Windows Will Improve Your Home Comfort This Winter
Are your windows winter-ready? If the cold weather hits before you’ve had a chance to replace your old, broken, or damaged windows, then you may be looking at heftier energy bills and other issues that come with delaying window replacements.
Getting replacement windows before winter starts is a crucial step to winterize your home properly. The less cold air that can get in this winter, the more comfortable you and your family will be.
So if you’re planning to upgrade to new energy-efficient windows to improve your home comfort, do so before the cold weather is here to stay.
Here are the top 5 reasons to get the job done by professionals before winter arrives.
1. Cut Down On Energy Waste and Heating Costs
Replacing old windows is one of the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
Old or damaged windows have poor seals and cracks, leading to air leaks. While these leaks may not be noticeable in the warmer months, you will notice them come the first cold days of fall and winter. And once winter is here, the frigid cold temperatures will make it harder to keep your home warm, placing a strain on your heating system.
As you lose heated indoor air to the outdoors and cold drafts come in, your home heating system will have to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature in the cold weather. Old windows will ultimately lead to a chilly, uncomfortable home and higher heating bills.
Along with stopping drafts and cold temperatures near your windows, new energy-efficient windows will regulate indoor air temperature better. Low-e coatings on double- or triple-glazed windows allow warm solar heat in during the cold months and reduce heat loss through the window panes.
This will place less strain on your heating system. A heating system that isn’t overworked means less wear and tear during the winter, a prolonged lifespan, and less risk of a system failure during the coldest days of the year.
2. It’s Easier To Replace Windows before the Freezing Cold Weather Hits
If you decide last minute to get your windows replaced and the winter weather is already in full swing, you’ll be rushing to get the job done as quickly as possible. When rushed, you might overlook essential details—like styles, colours, and energy-efficient materials—when choosing new windows.
So you’re better off planning ahead, doing your research, and ensuring you’re happy with your new windows instead of rushing against Mother Nature.
While the window glass replacement pros do their best to install windows quickly while minimizing heat loss, this job does leave temporary openings in your walls. And if it’s freezing cold out, the cold air can get in, even if the openings are covered to protect your home.
Poor winter weather can also cause delays. So to avoid delays, letting the cold air in, and making your heating system work in overdrive, replace your windows before winter hits.
3. Eliminate Potentially Harmful Objects That May Be Broken or Worsen During the Winter
Old windows are more prone to breaking during the cold winter season. The sub-freezing temperatures make glass more brittle, and old frames can warp with moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Small cracks in old windows can worsen in winter, leaving your home more susceptible to cold drafts. And broken glass poses a serious hazard. If a window breaks from strong winds or ice pellets, the shards of glass could injure you, your family, and your pets.
4. Old Windows Are Susceptible To Mold and Mildew
Since old windows have poor seals, moisture from rain, snow, and ice can get in your windows. This, along with condensation buildup on poorly-insulated windows, can cause mold and mildew growth on your windows.
Not only is this unpleasant to look at, but mold and mildew can be harmful to breathe in, reducing the air quality of your home and posing a health risk to you and your family.
5. Boost the Appearance of Your Home
Old, worn-out windows can make your home look shabby. So consider new windows to boost the appearance, curb appeal, and property value of your home—especially in time for the holidays.
New windows also won’t be as prone to fogging and condensation, so you can see clearly out your new windows and enjoy the view of the snowfalls and winter landscape.
Quick Fixes to Tide You Over Before the Pros Arrive
To help you minimize heat loss and cold air drafts before the window replacement pros arrive, consider using some of these quick fixes in the meantime:
- Replace old caulking on both the interior and exterior sides of your windows;
- Fill cracks with nail polish, shellac, or super glue, or cover with thick tape like duct tape, masking tape, or packing tape;
- Apply weather-stripping to the interior sides of the window sashes;
- Hang cellular shades and thick curtains, keeping them closed to block cold air;
- Use draft snakes along window sills;
- For broken glass, remove carefully with gloves and a tarp. And cover the opening with a thick plastic sheet or a heavy duty garbage bag, and plywood for extra protection.
Don’t spend the winter freezing and racking up your heating bill. Window replacement with energy-efficient windows is a simple solution to winterize your home properly.
The sooner you replace your windows, the sooner you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the many benefits of having new windows, such as watching snowfalls from the comfort of your home without feeling the chill.