Are Your Windows Letting In Hot Air?
By: Architectural Visions
If your home can’t seem to cool down despite the air conditioning running on high, you may need to consider replacing your windows. The window’s age, wear and tear, faulty installation, poor insulation and poor maintenance can all contribute to your windows letting in hot air. So, if your home isn’t as cool as you think it should be, it’s probably time to consider window replacements. Read on to find out if your windows are letting in hot air and if this is the culprit of your warm home.
Key takeaways of your windows letting in hot air:
- If your house can’t cool down despite the air conditioning blasting cool air, there are a few at-home tests you can conduct to determine if leaking windows are to blame. However, the best way to assess leaking air is by consulting with a window professional.
- High-quality windows are expertly constricted to prevent air leakage. In addition to selecting high-quality windows, it’s essential to have them professionally installed to ensure there are no gaps.
- Expert window insulation, the structure of the window panes, the type of window framing and glass are all top ways to ensure your windows provide the most cooling potential.
- Energy-efficient, low-E glass, and multi-pane windows are some of the best ways to help keep your home as cool as possible.
How to determine if your windows are letting in hot air
Window air leaks are one of the most common ways a home overheats during summer. So, if your house can’t cool down despite the air conditioning blasting cool air, you can conduct a few at-home tests to determine if leaking windows are to blame. However, the best way to assess leaking air is by consulting a window professional. Below are a few DIY ways to check for air leaks.
- Feel the areas surrounding the window for escaping air, checking both the inside and outside.
- During the daytime, turn off all interior lights. Then examine the window to see if any natural light is shining through. This technique works in rooms with little natural light.
- Using a lit candle, trace the sides of the window. You may have a leak if the smoke or flame is pulled toward the window.
Windows that offer the maximum cooling potential
High-quality windows are expertly constricted to prevent air leakage. In addition to selecting high-quality windows, it’s essential to have them professionally installed to ensure there are no gaps, which can reduce the efficiency of your windows. Below are the best ways to ensure your windows provide the most cooling potential:
- Expert window insulation
- How the windowpanes are structured
- Window framing that results in the best temperature control
If you live in a hot climate, some additional window features can aid in keeping your home as cool as possible. These types of windows include:
Western Window with Large Glass Doors
- Energy-efficient windows: Replacing inefficient, leaky windows with energy-efficient models will save on your cooling bills during the hotter months.
- Low E-glass windows: Low emissivity (low-E glass) windows have a coating that blocks ultraviolet (UV) lights and infrared (IR) lights. This means the windows will absorb less light and heat, keeping your house cooler and saving on air conditioning costs.
- Multi-pane glass windows: Multiple panes of glass can make a window more energy-efficient and improve indoor cooling. Triple-pane and double-pane glass windows will help your home conserve energy because the gases between each pane create insulation. Multi-pane glass windows will also prevent air conditioning from escaping outside and can deflect the sun’s rays. These additional glass panes can result in lower cooling costs.
- Rope caulk: Adding rope caulk or film will help during high condensation periods, such as high humidity days.
- Argon and krypton gases: When these gases are used between window panes, it can help maintain an even temperature no matter how hot the outside temperatures are.
- Selecting the appropriate window frame: Fiberglass windows are excellent at preventing cooling loss and are low-maintenance. Wood windows also offer great temperature benefits but may require occasional touch-ups to the paint or stain.
AVI Windows & Doors
Turn to a professional to help you replace your windows by contacting the experts at AVI. AVI is your one-stop shop for all types of windows, with in-person and online service options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or come by one of our Southeast locations and let us help you!