Now is a great time for you to enhance your home’s energy-efficiency. Drafty home windows and doorways can significantly increase cooling and heating costs. This is exactly why you need to execute a walk-around, to ensure that the home windows are functional, or if they require changing.
According to Energy Star, the average American household pays $2,200 annually on energy bills, with up to 50 % allocated to cooling and heating costs. Upgrading your house with energy-efficient window options will safeguard it from cold temperatures and will help you save money on pricey repairs in the future.
Performing a yearly home inspection is a terrific way to look for potential maintenance needs and residential enhancements. Search for leaks and drafts, and then replace or repair worn or damaged products to avoid pricey damage.
How you can inspect home windows and doorways:
- Check windowsills and door tracks for grime and debris, like sand, leaves, bugs or pine needles that may hamper the operation of windows and doors. Remove debris by lightly sweeping the area with a soft, dry brush and then vacuum.
- Check weather draining around home windows and doors, reattaching or changing loose or torn pieces.
- Inspect exterior and interior finishes and also the area surrounding them. Is the paint or stain in good shape? Indications of flaking and peeling, or water stains may imply that you’re ready to refinish or switch the door or window.
- Replace damaged or inoperable home windows and doorways with safer, more energy-efficient ones. The ones that don’t open and shut easily might be a safety risk, especially in case of a fire.
- If there is a feeling of uneven sliding and sticking whenever you open or close a window, make use of a non-oily lubricant, like paraffin wax, around the opposing surfaces in eliminating the stickiness.
- it will not stay open: The door or window that does not open easily, or will not remain in place once opened up, should be replaced.
- overall performance is poor: Windows and doors are difficult to open or close and air leaks in, out or around them.
- there is chipping: Chipping or peeling is present around the finish or on the door or window itself.
- there is clouding: Condensation or clouding appears between panes of glass.
- it is not energy efficient: Drafty, leaking windows and doors make it more pricey to warm your house during the cold months and cool it in the summertime.
- it is single-pane: Single-pane windows are less energy-efficient than double or triple-pane windows.
- it is out-of-date: Replacement parts for older windows or doors can be difficult to locate or could even be non-existent.
- there is a draft: Drafts could be felt with the door or window when it is closed.
- it is water-damaged: There are telltale water stains around or on the wall or floor space around the door or window.
