Best Replacing Inefficient Old Windows For You

Replacing inefficient old windows can save you money and keep your home more comfortable throughout the year. New replacement windows are designed to prevent air from transferring in and out of your home, which helps reduce energy costs.

Performing high-return, do-it-yourself projects first, such as weather stripping and installing interior surface film, can generate immediate savings while you budget for more expensive upgrades down the line.

Fog and Condensation

If you notice a lot of condensation or fogging between the panes of your multi-pane windows, it’s probably time to replace them. This problem is caused by a breakdown of the seal that holds the individual panes together. Normally, there’s a spacer between the glass that’s designed to suck up any moisture. But, if the window is old and inefficient it can lose its ability to do this effectively.

Moisture that collects on the outside of your windows is normal and harmless; it’s caused by unusual weather conditions in which the air is both humid and warmer than the window glass. Moisture that gathers on the inside of your window isn’t as common but can be a sign of seal failure, especially if it’s visible with sunlight shining through the window. This moisture may also be caused by undetected sources of humidity within your home such as fire logs or houseplants. Energy efficient replacement windows will help reduce condensation and humidity to save you money on your heating and cooling bills.

Drafty Windows

Drafty windows can wreak havoc on home comfort, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to regulate indoor temperatures and raising your energy bills. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to tackle the problem.

One simple solution is to press rope caulk into any cracks along the frame edges, a budget-friendly and easy DIY fix that will temporarily reduce drafts. However, this isn’t a permanent solution and may not fully seal the gaps.

Another cause of drafty old windows is that the glazing putty may be loose or chipped, which can let in cold air. You can try replacing this material, but it is recommended that you have a professional do the work to ensure it’s done properly.

Single-Pane Glass

Single-pane windows are a poor choice for energy efficiency. They keep cool air out in the summer and warm air in during the winter, which causes your energy bills to go up. They also provide very little acoustic deadening of distracting sounds from the street or neighbor’s activities.

However, there are a few situations where single pane glass can be a better option than double pane glass. For example, if you have historic homes with original windows that can’t be replaced, it could make sense to maintain the authenticity of the period with single pane glass.

Replacing a single pane window with modern technology can improve energy efficiency in old buildings. This allows for a better return on investment in a renovation and may increase property value. A single pane solution can also enable IoT device management for organizations with remote or distributed networks. Digi Remote Manager (Digi RM) offers remote device management solutions that allow businesses to treat an entire fleet of IoT devices like a single pane of glass.

Low-E Glass

If you have double-glazed windows but they do not contain a low-E coating or inert gas between the panes then they are likely to be extremely inefficient. This type of window lets in cold air and does not keep your home warm throughout the winter.

Low-E glass has a special coating that prevents heat loss by reflecting long-wave infrared energy, much like a thermos does. It also helps to reduce glare and provides privacy without compromising natural light. Additionally, it can protect furnishings and artwork from damaging and fading due to exposure to UV rays.

There are many options for choosing low-E glass depending on climate, window size, and orientation. It is important to look for a product that has a high visible transmittance rating and a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Check the packaging to see what you should be looking for. The lower the SHGC, the better the window is for cold climates.