Windows are one of the most important and functioning parts of the home. They let in natural light and increase your home’s aesthetic value on both the inside and outside. You can usually expect a window to last about 25 years under optimal conditions, but this varies on location and level of care. There are three guaranteed signs that it is time for new windows – high energy bills, decaying window frames, and condensation buildup.
If you already know that you need new windows to increase your home’s efficiency or look, give the experts at Master Seal a call at 855.608.1580 for your free in-home estimate today.
1. High Energy Bills
Regardless of the season, if you have noticed an unusual spike in your home’s monthly energy costs, it can more than likely be attributed to your windows needing to be replaced. If the windows in your home are newer and you notice an increase in your monthly energy bill, then your windows are more than likely not installed or insulated properly. If your windows are outdated, then this inability to properly insulate is expected to happen.
Installation
If your windows were installed wrong, then that can have an impact on your energy bill. Windows need to be made to fit and properly sealed around their edges with a silicone-based caulk to achieve an efficient barrier around the perimeter of the window.
Insulation
If you know your home is properly insulated, yet you are still struggling to keep your desired temperature steady inside your home, then your windows might not be properly insulated or insulated at all. Window insulation is achieved by using two or more glass panes with the space between the panes being filled with air or argon gas.
Most of the time, older windows only use a single pane of glass which doesn’t offer much insulation. If your windows only have a single pane of glass, then it’s probably time for an upgrade for a more efficient home. Rebate incentives are available for most people upgrading their home’s inefficient windows.
2. Decaying Window Frames
Most old windows are encased by a wooden frame, and while wooden frames can be beautiful, they are more susceptible to rot and decay. To see if your window frames are decaying, you can take a lit candle and move it around your window’s frame. If you notice a change in the flame’s direction, then you can confirm that your frames are beginning to break down and are starting to let in the outside air.
This decay directly correlates to an increase in energy bills and a decrease in overall appeal. By upgrading to newer vinyl windows, you can ensure a more effective seal with a longer-lasting frame resistant to rot and decay. We offer the following window replacement services near Baltimore county:
- Window security bars
- Window installation
- Vinyl replacement windows
3. Condensation Buildup
Another sure sign that it’s time to start thinking about replacement windows is if you start to notice condensation building up on the inside or the window sill. This problem is usually attributed to an insulation issue or a single-pane window. Most of the time, this has nothing to do with an increased energy bill, but moisture on the inside of a window can pool up and run down the interior wall, causing mold and mildew growth over time and reducing the overall air quality in your home.
Contact Us Today!
If your situation matches any of those listed above, then it’s time for you to invest in some new windows for your home. Contact Master Seal today at 855.608.1580, or contact us online for your free in-home estimate so you can improve the look of your home and lower those rising energy bills once and for all.
