Temperatures are dropping outside, but if you have drafty windows, temperatures are dropping inside too. On average, up to 25 percent of your home’s heat escapes through its windows.  Fear not! You have several options to consider in order to remedy this “drafty” situation.  Don’t know if you have drafty windows? Here’s how to check:

  • Hold a lit candle or match in front of the windows. If it flickers or moves, there may be a draft.
  • Check for cracks or damages to the seal or weather stripping.
  • If windows are fogged over, they may also have drafts.
  • What is the age of the windows? Windows more than 20 years old are most likely starting to fail.
  • If you are noticing that your energy bills have been getting higher, drafty windows may be the reason.

Now that you have located your drafty windows, let’s look at your options and figure out which one will work best for you.

  1. Install Weather Stripping

Weather-stripping, made of foam, can block drafts by sealing the edge of the window.

  1. Apply Window Caulking

Using a non-toxic, indoor latex caulk, there are three areas you can apply the caulk: around the window trim, the joints of the trim, and between the trim and the frame.

  1. Draft Snakes

One cheap way to stop cold air from seeping through windowsills is a draft snake. They can be ordered online or easily made with an old sock filled with dry rice.

  1. Storm Windows

Storm windows provide an extra layer of insulation and attach to the frames of the windows.

  1. Plastic Window Wrap

In a pinch, sealing out air drafts with plastic wrap can help, but it is unsightly, only a permanent fix and will only last one season.

Although these are the easy, cheap solutions to stopping draft windows, they are nowhere near the best solution. While they provide temporary relief, you may find that the less costly solutions become more costly down the road. Instead, installing replacement windows, while a significant investment initially, is the best solution in the long term. Replacement windows will..

  • Cut Energy Use and Power Bills

Made from high-quality materials, using state of the art technology, today’s windows are leakproof. This means your HVAC system will not have to work as hard to heat your home. Winter is the best time to replace windows, and will lower your utility bills and leading to several hundred dollars in savings a year.

  • High Return on Investment

For the money spent on replacement windows, you will recoup 70 to 80 percent of your money back through the cost of your home’s market value. Combine this with the energy savings and you can break even on the upgrade.

  • Improves Curb Appeal

Sparkling, modern new windows can replace the look of your older, faded, tired-looking, dented or scratched windows and dramatically improve the overall look of your house. You can choose from a variety of windows to complement your home’s architectural style and color. The aesthetic change will increase the value of your house and the salability.

If you have decided to invest in replacement windows, Pro-Homes Services is here to help you through it all.  We offer two of the most popular brands of replacement windows, including wood windows from Andersen and vinyl from Alside.  Once you choose your style and material, we handle the rest.  With winter upon us, there is no better time to replace those drafty windows!  Give us a call and we will make sure you stay warm and cozy this season. Call us today at (630)790-0800.

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