With cooler temperatures in the Decatur area, you may be wondering how to lower your energy bill. Heating costs are also rising nationwide, making savings even more important.
One positive is that one major source of heat loss—windows—are easy to tackle before the temperatures cool down too much. Here are some tips on how to fix leaky windows. Your energy bill and your furnace or heat pump will thank you.
What’s Causing Leaky Windows?
Windows that let in cooler air from outside or release warmer air from indoors are leaky. They can also let in water when it rains! If you see water coming in through your window, that’s an excellent indication of a leak, and you can bet that air is getting in and out, too.
Age, improper installation, and damaged caulk are all causes of leaky windows. This issue tends to cause leaks near the bottom of the window, and water may appear here as well. One sign of this is condensation forming between the panes of your window, or you may notice moisture dripping through your frame.
How to Find Smaller Leaks
While some air leaks are also big enough to let in water, others aren’t. Placing your hand around a window during a windy day can help to identify where air leaks may be occurring. You can also listen for windows rattling, look for gaps, and search for peeling paint around the window frame. Air leaks are more difficult to notice than those that also let in water, as they tend to be smaller.
Using a piece of paper, you can find leaks by holding it up to the window in various places. If it moves, you have a leak. Incense can also be used for this trick, as air leaks will easily move the smoke.
Plugging the Leaks
To keep cold air and water out of your home, you’ll need to plug the leak, and if you want more energy savings, using a plastic sheet over your window may also help.
If it seems that your window is leaking near the top, or improperly installed, calling a professional who handles windows may be the best way to repair it. This is also true if there’s a leak inside the walls that appears to be coming through the window.
To replace bad caulking, you’ll need to clean the old, flaking caulking off your window and reapply the new. This job can also be professionally done unless you’re comfortable handling it yourself.
If you simply want your windows to hold in more heat during the cooler months, you can use plastic window coverings. These shrink film coverings go over your windows and are dried and tightened with the use of a hair dryer. The best thing about these films is that they are inexpensive.
Weather stripping is also a great way to plug leaks or manage them while remaining fairly cheap. The stripping is adhesive, and simply applies to the leaking area.
Save More Energy Today
Plugging window leaks are an easy way to save on heating costs, but there are more ways to save. If you have questions on how to save more energy during the cooler months in the Decatur, AL area, we’re here to help. Simply contact us today.
