Windows and Air Drafts

The average home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through air leaks. The most considerable drafts tend to occur around windows and doors. To stop air drafts and keep your home heating and cooling costs down, it’s important to seal or replace your windows and doors. As technology progresses, there are many windows coming out on the market that are high efficient, seal better and are insulated better to provide you with a better insulated home and a peace of mind.

Cold “Downdraft”
Cold glass can create a draft as air next to the window is cooled and drops to the floor. This forms an air movement pattern that feels drafty and accelerates heat loss.

Gaps and Cracks
The greatest indicator of an air draft is visible daylight around a window or door frame. Smaller gaps and cracks can’t be easily seen and might only be revealed during a home energy assessment. If it is cold outside and you run your hand across the perimeter of the window and around the seals, you may be able to actually feel cold air coming in through the gaps and cracks.

Rattling
If your window rattles or shakes, the window frames are not secure. This can cause your heating and air conditioning to leak out, and even rain to seep in. It is always important for windows to have a proper seal in order to retain their efficiency.

Locks
Rusted or broken locks will not hold the windows tightly shut which can cause air drafts around the handles and locks. Improper installation may also cause air to enter in through the space left from the door or windows not being properly sealed when shutting.

Inefficiency
Older single glazed or aluminum frame windows will create what feels like a cold draft. In reality, it’s a convective current of indoor air that cools against the window pane and then circulates down and across your floor. Installing double or triple pane windows with a low U-Value will prevent this kind of draft. Older single paned windows also tend to collect a lot of condensation on them that runs down the window. If unattended, this moisture can cause mold to develop around the window, damage to the paint around the window and on the walls and can even cause parts of the window and window trim to start rotting.

Hiring a quality window installation contractor in the Albany and Saratoga Springs areas.

It is always important to hire a reputable window installation contractor to ensure that your new windows are installed properly. Home Evolution has been in the business of window installation and replacement for over ten years. We would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss your window installation needs on your time and schedule. You can give us a call anytime at (518) 639-7663 or simply fill out the estimate request form below and we will touch base with you.

Other window related links: New Window Installation / Window Condensation / Window Appearance / Window Operation / Old Windows