Drafty Windows and Your Energy Bill

Drafty windows can lead to a majority of things like higher heating + cooling costs, lower indoor comfort, and overall wasted energy. If your home feels too hot, too cold, or your energy bills seem way higher than usual, your windows could very possibly be the problem. Drafty windows let air from outside inside your home, which leads to hot/cold air into your home. If that happens, you end up using more heating/cooling than usual leading to higher bills. 

What Can Cause Drafty Windows 

Older Materials 

Weatherstripping can wear down, leading to damage to the seals, energy loss, and widespread lower quality. As these happen, gaps form that let air leak around the window. 

Damaged Window Seals

Lots of windows rely on airtight seals for insulation. When these seals fail, the outside air and moisture can be let in, which reduces efficiency and insulation performance.

Poor Installation

Newer windows can be drafty if they were not installed the right way. Gaps around the frame or the wrong insulation can create long lasting airflow problems. 

How Drafty Windows Raise Energy Bills

Increased Heating Costs

During the winter months, warm air from inside your home escapes through the leaks and gaps. This makes your heating system work harder than it needs to in order to maintain a comfortable temperature (Energy Performance Ratings).  

Higher Cooling Expenses 

In the summer, hot air from outside can come inside through the gaps in your window frame. This leads to your air conditioner working harder and increases your energy bills. 

HVAC System Strain

Air leaking from around your windows forces your heating and air conditioning to work harder to maintain the indoor temperatures. This can potentially shorten your system's lifespan. 

Overall Energy Waste

Even the smallest air leaks can raise energy bills. Poorly insulated/sealed windows can shorten the energy efficiency and make unnecessary utility costs. 

Signs Your Windows Might be Drafty

If you put your hand up to your window and feel a breeze, that's a great sign that your window has a draft. Another common sign is walking into one room and it's a normal temperature, but the next room is hotter/colder. Higher than normal energy bills can also point to inefficiencies in the home, like air loss through windows.

Why Professional Installation Is Necessary

Proper installation is just as important as the window itself. Without professional installation, no matter how high of quality the window is, there is room for error. This can include drafts, longevity, and higher energy bills. This is easily preventable though by hiring professionals (like Window World). 

Feeling that small breeze by your window seems like a small problem, until your energy bills start skyrocketing. That's why you need to fix it as soon as possible, to save yourself money in the long run and get maximum comfort in your home. For high quality windows and installation, contact us at Window World today!