How to Detect Drafty Windows


With the cooler months of winter just around the corner, drafty windows can put a strain on your wallet and decrease your home’s comfort levels - even when using an energy-efficient HVAC system.

According to the Department of Energy, just one drafty window can reduce your HVAC efficiency by up to 25 percent. Imagine the increase in your energy costs if you have multiple windows allowing in the air from outside.


Fortunately, checking for air leaks or drafts in your windows is a relatively simple process. If possible, perform these tasks on a windy day or when there is a substantial difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature. Here are foolproof ways to detect leaks:


Visual inspection

Start by inspecting your windows from the outside. Check for any areas where caulking is damaged or disappeared, revealing a space between the window frame and siding. For single-paned windows, examine each pane of glass for damaged glazing along the edge. Continue your inspection from the inside and check for damaged weatherstripping and any cracks in the window glass or frame. 


Loose windows

To see if your windows are closing tightly, put a piece of paper on the windowsill and then close the window. Next, try pulling the paper out. If you’re able to dislodge the paper without tearing it, air can likely pass through your window as well. 


Flame test

Not all air leaks or drafts are easily visible. To find these leaks, you can perform a flame test. Light a candle and pass it close to the edges of your windows, looking for any noticeable change in the way the candle flickers. If there is a draft, the flame should waiver and get blown inwards from the outside air leaking inside. If the flame is undisturbed, you can assume that there are no leaks in that window.


Infrared thermometer

If you’re having a hard time detecting air leaks, you can try using an infrared thermometer. This non-contact thermometer can measure ambient air temperatures around your windows. Drafty areas allowing cold air into your home will register a colder temperature than the rest of the room.


At The Window Depot, we are the home improvement experts in the Tampa Bay area. When you need replacement windows, we offer vinyl and aluminum windows from the top manufacturers. All of the products we offer will provide decades of beauty and dependable performance. Call us at (813) 901-5555 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or learn more about our products and services. You can also visit our showroom in Palm Harbor to view our windows firsthand.


Sources

 

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/doors-and-windows/how-to-check-and-seal-windows 

 

 

 

 
Location: 4154 Corporate Ct, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, USA

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