Some of us have come to accept that older homes are not as airtight as they once were. We compensate by turning up the furnace and resorting to temporary, quick fixes that become annual solutions, if not permanent features. New windows will most definitely keep a house warmer in colder months and also cooler in hotter months. In fact, this means new windows can save you money on both heating and air-conditioning bills. Here’s how new windows can keep your house healthier and warmer in the winter.
After years of expansion and contraction, old windows fail to shut properly, and the seals around the frames perish. By letting in the cold draft, furnaces and heating systems have to work harder to reach their designated temperature and then maintain it. We hold ourselves hostage to higher heating bills, unaware that we lose up to 70 percent of the heating through the old windows. Just as bad, we are making ourselves vulnerable to respiratory problems and other health issues.
The technology and materials used to manufacture modern windows help insulate your home more effectively. New windows have lower U-Values. The lower the U-Value number, the better the job the windows do of insulating. The best energy-saving windows have a U-Value of 0.25 or lower.
Modern windows now come with more options as well. In addition to the traditional single glass pane, there are now double-pane and even triple-pane windows available. When the frame is properly sealed, the extra glazing will prevent cold air from coming through the glass. It will also slow down the rate at which warm air goes out. The extra glazing will also keep more noise out. Furthermore, there is the option to insert argon gas between the layers of panes. By keeping the heat in for longer, the furnace has a better chance of heating your home without overworking. In turn, this will save you money on energy bills and furnace maintenance or replacement.
Apart from being cold, the dryness of cold air might prompt overdoing it with a humidifier. Moisture causes condensation which then turns into mildew and mold. Spores from the mold and mildew are then circulated throughout the house. In addition, moisture creates dampness in the walls, on furniture, and on floors. The spores and dampness make their way into bedrooms and closets where they settle on clothes and bedding. This can cause respiratory infections, at a time when we are already susceptible to winter colds and flu. New windows and doors can go a long way to help you and your family stay healthy in the winter.
New windows will help your home stay warm. To ensure proper insulation, have a professional install and seal the windows.
The extra glazing options, along with advanced technical options like argon gas and vinyl frames will improve insulation tremendously. These options work great for keeping the cold air out and the hot air in for longer periods. The insulation will also help to keep the moisture out and reduce dampness and condensation.
There will no longer be a need to spend money on a handyman to repair old windows. New and improved insulated windows will save money on heating and cooling bills year-round. By reducing moisture, spores, and dampness, less money needs to be spent on doctors and medicine.
Installing new windows in an old house is an upgrade that will add aesthetic appeal. Not to mention, new windows are a great selling point to potential buyers when you want to sell your home.
Additional Reading: Energy Efficient Window Coverings
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