The Culprit…Leaky Windows
Surprisingly, the biggest cause of energy loss in a home is leaky windows. You could pay 25% to 30% more on energy bills each month if your windows are old, drafty, and leak air. Single–pane windows are the worst at conserving energy. Even older double–pane windows can serve as a major source of heat loss. Heat is lost through the glass, as well as the frame and seals. Poorly maintained windows affect your home heating system in several ways, including the four ways outlined below.
1. Leaky Windows Let in Drafts
Drafts from the window can lower the temperature in the home so that it feels cooler than it actually is, especially in areas near the questionable window. Just one drafty window can cool down a room by 50%. Most homeowners turn up the heat in response, which wastes energy and increases your energy bills.
2. Reduced Heating System Lifespan
Heating units offer 15 to 30 years of usage, depending on factors like the type and the maintenance provided over the years. Believe it or not, leaky windows also have a bearing on the lifespan of your heating system since it must work harder to warm the home, increasing the amount of wear and tear on the unit. This can cause the need for costly repairs and decrease the lifespan of the heating system.
3. Leaky Windows Encourage Heat Loss
Convection, or the natural heat flow from a warm area to a cooler area, occurs when your house has leaking windows. When warm air comes into contact with a cold surface, it loses heat. This results in prolonged lower temperatures than normal. This causes defects in the overall function of the unit.
4. Leaky Windows Cause Temperature Instability
Unstable room temperatures often result from leaky windows. Drafts allow warm air to escape while the cold air from the outside seeps in. The result is inconstant, fluctuating temperatures. You may need to constantly adjust the thermostat to make your home the right temperature, but it’s a long game to play if the leakages still exist.
Rice Heating and Air is a full–service heating and air company headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses stay comfortable year–round. We are your comfort experts.
Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
