Now’s the Time to Tackle Those Drafty Windows and Patio Doors
If your house feels breezy inside when the windows are shut, we’ve got a problem, friend. Drafty windows and patio doors are like tiny thieves, sneaking away with your hard-earned money, one chilly gust at a time. It’s time for an old-fashioned walk-around of your home to see what’s working—and what needs to be replaced with energy-efficient windows and patio doors.
According to Energy Star, the average California household now drops around $3,300 a year on energy bills, with up to half of that spent battling heating and cooling costs. That’s no small potatoes. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and patio doors isn’t just smart—it’s good old-fashioned common sense. It’ll protect your home from extreme temperatures and save you a bundle on pricey repairs down the road.
Here’s How to Check Your Windows and Patio Doors for Trouble:
-
Inspect the Tracks and Sills: Look for leaves, dirt, bugs, and the usual backyard suspects jamming things up. Sweep it out with a soft brush, then vacuum the tracks clean.
-
Check the Weatherstripping: If it’s loose, torn, or looking tired, reattach or replace it to boost your home’s energy efficiency.
-
Examine the Paint and Surroundings: Peeling paint, flaking stain, or water stains around the frames scream it’s time for window replacement or patio door replacement.
-
Test Operation: Sticking, jamming, and refusing to budge? Those windows and patio doors aren’t just annoying—they’re a safety risk in an emergency.
-
Fix Sticky Windows: If windows feel sticky, don’t wrestle them. Use paraffin wax (never oil) to help them glide easily again.
Signs It’s Time for New Windows or Patio Doors:
-
They won’t stay open (gravity always wins).
-
They’re hard to open or close, or they leak air like an old balloon.
-
The paint is peeling like a bad sunburn.
-
There’s foggy condensation trapped between panes.
-
Drafts sneak through even when everything’s closed up tight.
-
They’re old single-pane windows (terrible for lowering energy bills).
-
Replacement parts are impossible to find because they’re relics.
-
Water stains are showing up around the frames or on the floor.