Winter is just around the corner. And when the chilly season comes, one of the most problems homeowners face is drafts. So what causes them and what can you do to fix the problem?
To help you prepare your home for the cold season, Renewal by Andersen®, the top company when it comes to replacement windows in Portland, offers these tips for preventing drafts this winter:
What causes drafts?
Drafts happen when air leaks into your home through cracks in your windows and doors. During winter, those cracks cause chilly air to seep in and warm air to escape. All it takes is one small crack in your windows or doors to create drafts in your home. Aside from causing discomfort, drafts can also cause your energy bill to surge since your HVAC will have to work overtime to keep your home warm.
How to prevent drafts?
Because drafts are usually caused by leaks in your windows, sealing the cracks and gaps is the best way to prevent them. First, you must locate where the draft is coming from. Check every window in your home and feel for cold air leaking at the openings. Once you know where the leaks are, you can seal them using caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping. You can better insulate your windows by installing thick and heavy drapes. This will help slow the flow of cold air from the outside, but this will not stop the draft entirely.
The fixes mentioned above, however, are short-term solutions. Also, if your windows are old and dilapidated, weatherstrippings and heavy curtains aren’t going to do much to seal those leaks. If you want to stop the drafts entirely, the best thing to do is to invest in a window replacement. Today’s windows are equipped with energy-efficient features that will keep your home warm this winter and help lower your energy consumption.
For energy-efficient window replacement in Portland, you can count on Renewal by Andersen. We offer beautifully crafted windows made from innovative materials: Fibrex® frames and Low-E4 glass. You can learn more about these materials by browsing through our site. You can also give us a call and our office staff will be more than happy to assist you with any questions about our products.
If you are in need of energy-efficient windows, choose Renewal by Andersen. Contact us to schedule an in-home consultation for your home improvement needs.
