The change of seasons brings plenty of fun and quality time with family and friends. Unfortunately, the drop in temperature in Orange County also means a spike in energy bills for many homeowners. As the weather gets colder, many homeowners crank up their thermostats in order to stay cozy, resulting in high energy bills year after year. The good news is there are plenty of ways to keep your bills reasonable during the winter, starting with your windows. After all, according to the American Energy Association nearly well over half of the energy that American homes waste escapes through the windows and doors. To help, we’ve put together a list of measures that will help you determine whether or not your windows are prepared for winter or if you’ll be needing replacement windows.
You Notice Moisture Between Window Panes
A few drops of moisture between the glass panes on your window may seem harmless, but this is likely a subtle sign for much bigger problems. Moisture typically only shows on the panes if it’s trapped there as a result of excess water absorption. If your frames have absorbed moisture, you can expect them to begin to rot, warp, and distort…all of which leads to drafts and gaps in your window frame. This means your heating efforts will be heading straight out the windows.
You’re Used to the High Bills
If the spike in your energy bills has become expected and no matter how hard to try, you can’t seem to get your home as warm as you want it, there’s a good chance your current windows aren’t performing as they should. Take the cue to hire a professional for an inspection or do a quick check yourself. Read on for an easy method to check the insulating qualities of your windows.
The Candle Test
If you want to do a quick check to determine the performance of your windows during the winter, you can always try the candle test. By simply lighting a candle (or lighter) and placing it in front of various areas around your window frame, you’ll be able to tell if there is a draft coming through your window. If the flame flickers (or worse, blows out completely), you can bet your windows are the reason for your increasingly high bills. That this problem will only get worse year after year.
If you find one or more of the signs above to be true in your house, it may be time to look into replacement windows Orange County. While there are a number of measures that can be taken to enhance the insulation of your current windows, most of these efforts are both expensive and short lived. That’s why choosing quality energy efficient replacement windows are the only way to truly enhance the insulation in your home. If you need help finding the right replacement windows for your home this winter, give All American Doors Inc. a call at (714) 680-8999 or meet with one of our window experts at 642 W Commonwealth Ave Ste B Fullerton, CA 92832.