With winter right around the corner, there are many things you will want to do in order to properly prepare your home. By winterizing your home, you can help conserve energy while also minimize your chances of suffering from leaks or other serious problems brought on by the cold, snow and ice. One place that certainly deserves some attention before winter is your windows, as a great deal of energy can be wasted through windows that are ready for an upgrade. To that end, here are 5 signs you should look for that indicate you need to upgrade your windows before winter.
Sign #1: You Hear Whistling
If you hear whistling through your windows when the wind blows, it is a sure sign that you have a leak. If you can’t afford to upgrade your windows at this time, you should at least find the leak and seal it with caulking or weather stripping.
Sign #2: Moisture is Getting Into the House
If you find moisture on your windowsill or on the flooring or nearby furniture after it rains, it is another indication that your windows are ready for an upgrade. Once again, window stripping and caulking are your friends in this situation, but it is really time for you to start budgeting to upgrade your windows, even if you have to replace them one at a time.
Sign #3: You Don’t Have Storm Windows
One of the best ways to conserve energy during the wintertime is to replace your window screens with storm windows. Of course, if you don’t have storm windows, an important upgrade for you to make is to purchase these windows so you can have an extra layer of protection to keep the cold out and the heat in.
Sign #4: Condensation is Building Up Between the Panes
If you are noticing condensation building up between your windowpanes, it is a sign that one or both of your panes has a leak. Not only does this reduce the efficiency of your windows, it also makes it difficult to look outside and enjoy the wintertime scenery.
Sign #5: You Have a Crack in Your Window
You would be surprised by the number of people who have cracks in their windows, but decide not to replace them. If you have been putting off replacement of a cracked window, you really can’t afford to continue doing so once winter hits. Even if you don’t upgrade to what would be considered a better type of window, simply replacing the cracked window with the same type of window will go a long way toward increasing its energy efficiency.
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