Is Your Home Ready For Winter?
The official start to the winter season is still a week away, but in Central New York we have already started seeing the cold and snowy weather. Have you prepped your home properly for the change in weather? It is important to look over your home to make sure it is prepared to keep the cold air out and your family nice and warm.
Not sure where to start? Below are a few things you can do to make sure your home is ready for the winter season.
Window Prep:
- Check your window’s caulking/ weather stripping: Look for any caulk or weather stripping that may have chipped or peeled. If you notice any cracks or peeling caulk, you will need to add new caulk or weather stripping to your window to prevent heat transfer through your windows.
- Inspect the window for any gaps or cracks: When you open and close your windows make sure there are not any gaps around the window where air can enter or escape. If you’ve made repairs to the window and are still experiencing air infiltration from cracks or gaps around the window it is best to contact a window professional for replacement options.
- Check for seal failure: To test your windows for leaks close your windows and doors and shut off the ceiling fans and the HVAC system. Then take a lighter or light a candle and run it around the frame of the window. If the flame or smoke pulls towards you that is a sign of an air leak. Leaks are common in windows older than 15 years. If your windows are experiencing leaks and are older than 15 years it is time to consider replacing them.
Heat transfer through inefficient windows and doors can substantially increase your home’s energy costs.
That’s why it’s important to know what to look for so you can take the necessary steps to make sure the cold frigid air stays out and the warm air stays inside.
Door Prep:
- Look over the frame: Over time old wooden frames can warp, rot or decay which will decrease the integrity of the door and it’s energy efficiency. If you notice any rot or decay on the door, it is best to consider replacing the door with a more durable option such as steel or fiberglass.
- Check your door’s threshold and weather stripping: If these are old and worn they could be contributing to air infiltration or water leaks. If you notice your doors threshold or weather stripping is cracked, chipped or worn you will need to have those replaced to prevent water and air leaks from occurring.
- Feel for drafts: The warm summers and cold winters can expand and contract your door. This can contribute to air infiltration which will increase your home’s heating and cooling costs. A trick to test for drafts is to light a candle or lighter and run it around the frame of the door. If the flame flickers towards you this indicates an air leak.
Trust the window professionals
If you notice your windows or doors are in need of replacement, let us help. New York Sash brand windows & doors are energy star rated and are built to withstand the Central New York winter weather. When you replace your windows with us, you will instantly begin to feel the difference because our windows are designed to seal against air leakage, prevent heat loss and resist condensation. Schedule a free estimate today and learn how our windows & doors can help your home this winter season.
Let us help keep your home warm this winter!
