Whether winter is bringing in colder temperatures or you are worried about leaking cool air in the warmer months, it is vital to seal your windows to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your home. Not only does it help make the home more inhabitable, but also reduces the cost of heating and cooling. Even with replacement windows in Mountain View, CA, you should still check your windows periodically for leaks.

Unfortunately, most homeowners tend to ignore their windows unless there is a major issue. The problem with this is that most leaks start small. They are easy to repair if you catch them early. But by putting off checks and inspections, the leaks only get worse over time and become a more serious problem. Luckily, sealing off leaks around the windows is fairly simple. And it can save you a significant amount, especially with the monthly energy bills. Here are a few tips you can use to check for and seal off window leaks.

Use Your Senses

When checking for broken seals on your windows, start with a visual inspection. You don’t have to spend hours on each one. Just taking a quick look can tell you a lot. Do you notice any cracks or gaps? These are your primary candidates for further inspection. And once you do a visual check, get in closer and see if you can feel any air leaks. You might notice air escaping or coming inside. It may not be quite as obvious as an open window, but you still might be able to detect a leak. You might want to reserve your inspections for a window day, where the air movement outside will give you a better chance of feeling air movement.

Use the Smoke Test

Another way to test your windows and doors for leaks is a simple smoke test. First, you need to close all the exterior windows and doors in your home. Then you want to turn on all the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. This will help create some negative pressure inside the home. Next, light an incense stick of something similar and pass the smoke around the edges of the windows and doors. Watch the smoke. If it floats up unchanged, then you probably don’t have any serious leaks. But if the smoke gets disturbed by air leaking inside, it will pull towards you and is an obvious sign you need to take more action.

 

Get an Energy Audit

In some cases, it might be best to simply hire a professional for an infrared energy audit. They will use an infrared thermometer to help detect any leaks from the windows and doors. These tools measure the ambient temperature and show cold patches or warm patches. This will help create a visual map of areas that might require attention. Then a professional will help you pin down the proper strategies to help patch up the leaks and reduce energy costs.

If you notice leaks beyond repair, it might be time for replacement windows in Mountain View, CA. Our team of experts can help you find the right brands and products for the job. Visit our showroom today for more information.