To conserve energy you can turn off the lights when you leave a room, air dry your laundry, and conserve water with shorter showers. But what are you doing about your windows in Lakewood, CA? These are often the weakest link in your home’s exterior envelope, especially older windows. They may be leaking energy all day long without you even realizing it. And when the average household spends around $2,200 a year on energy, the cost of energy losses can add up fast. Here are just a few ways your windows might be costing you:
- Cracks
Broken windows from accidental damage are pretty obvious. But if you happen to miss a shattered pane it can cause you a lot of grief. Not only is it unsafe, but can also result in serious energy losses. Cracks allow air to move freely, both in and out. If left unaddressed this could become a costly issue. Another cause for cracks in the assembly is extreme temperature changes. These cause the materials supporting windows and doors to expand and contract slightly. Over the years the cumulative changes can be substantial, causing the frame to crack.
- Gaps
Over time weather stripping, caulk, and insulation break down. This results in gaps between the glass, frame, and structure of your home. Fortunately, you can replace caulk and weather stripping easily. But if a warped frame is causing the gaps, you have a larger problem on your hands. The only way to resolve this issue is with replacement windows.
- Single Pane Glass
Not as common a problem anymore, but some older windows do have only one pane of glass separating the inside from the outside. If this is the case you will want to upgrade as soon as possible. These single panes of glass do little to insulate the home and protect against heat transfer.
- Failure of Multi-Pane Glass
Today the standard for windows is two panes of glass sealed together as a single unit. This helps improve efficiency by adding an extra layer of protection as well as an insulating gas between the panes. Unfortunately, these IGUs can still fail over time. Once the seal fails the inert gas can leak out and normal air replaces it. This reduces efficiency. If you have a failed seal you might notice condensation forming between the panes of glass.
- Outdated Frame Material
Old aluminum and vinyl windows do not insulate as well as modern products. With the inclusion of thermal breaks and special additives, modern windows are stronger, last longer, and provide better insulation.
Do you want to stop energy losses through your windows in Lakewood, CA? Contact Seaport Windows and Doors today to talk with an expert. We sell Milgard, Simpson, and Baldwin products which can all provide top of the line insulation for your home. With our fair pricing and first-rate workmanship, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Call (714) 220-3939 to set up an appointment or visit us at 4201 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
