Windows are a great thing to have in your home, and sometimes they are the main feature. A bay window adds a great reading or plant area and really brightens a room. But did you know that windows are one of the biggest culprits of decreased energy efficiency and increased wear and tear on your heating system? Here is how leaky windows impact your heating system and how efficiently your home is heated.
Increased Wear and Tear
If you have leaky windows, that cold winter air enters your home and makes it hard for your heating system to reach the temperature that you have set on your thermostat. If your thermostat is close to a leaky window, it can cause it to have a false reading and run constantly. This significantly reduces the efficiency of your system and increases your carbon footprint.
A home that loses its heat in the winter requires a heating system to run longer in order to keep it comfortable and warm. This not only substantially increases your utility bills but also puts unnecessary stress on your system. This unnecessary added stress results in unexpected repairs and a reduction in the lifespan of your heating system.
Uneven Heating and Cold Spots
A home that has leaky windows will not be able to achieve a consistent temperature throughout. You will experience areas that are too cold and those that are too hot. If you have outdated single-pane windows, you should strongly consider updating them to double- or triple-pane ones. These modern windows have argon gas between the panes that prevents heat transfer through the glass of the window. This significantly increases the efficiency of your home and, as an added benefit, also reduces noise from outside.
Another thing to do is make sure the caulking around the window is still in good shape. If it is starting to crack and peel, you should remove it and apply new caulking.
As you can see, leaky windows have a huge impact on how well your heating system can keep your home comfortable and how much you pay in utility bills. At Bill Lea Service, we take pride in helping the residents of Sherwood and central Arkansas improve the efficiency of their HVAC systems. We offer heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance services. Call us today to see how we can help you!
