Life in the midwest consists of scorching hot summers and frigid winters. The constant change of the weather can have a harsh effect on your home and your energy bill. One of the primary protections your home has when it comes to keeping external temperatures out is its windows. Standard single-pane windows fail to keep your home’s temperature control stable at your desired temperature. This means that your air conditioning and heating units constantly run to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, driving up your energy bill year-round. The most effective way to combat the weather and a rising energy bill is by investing in thermal insulated windows.
What is a Thermal Insulated Window?
The purpose of a thermal insulated window is to keep your home’s temperature regulated and to save you money on energy bills. The basic definition of a thermal insulated window we use here at Kryger Glass is two panes of glass with a special seal between them to keep the moisture out. These windows are more energy-efficient and are designed to keep cold air out during the winter and hot air out during the summer. Don’t let your old windows steal your next paycheck!
Already have Thermal Insulated Windows?
If you already have thermal insulated windows and they aren’t helping your energy bill anymore, it might be because the window has grown old and the sealant has gone bad, not allowing the product to perform to its full capability.
The main way you know you need new thermal insulated windows is by asking this question… Are your windows always foggy? If you find that your windows are always foggy, it is more than likely that the seal has gone bad, causing moisture to be trapped between the window panes. When that happens, not only are your insulated units failing, but it could be driving up the cost of your heating and cooling bills.
Here are seven more signs that you might need to replace your windows…
- Faulty window operation (doesn’t open and close easily)
- The recurring presence of cold drafts
- Excessive window condensation between the glass panes.
- Audible outside noise
- Decay and water damage on window frames.
- High utility bills
- Damage from severe storms
How can Windows go bad?
Many factors can cause an insulated window to fail, including bad caulking, poor sealants, and a lack of professional installation. Your unit can also start to wear down due to solar pumping, which is your unit’s constantly expanding and contracting when the temperature changes.
When the seal between the two pieces of glass breaks, the air gets in and fogs up your window. That extra moisture can also cause mildew and mold to form. When this happens, it simply means your window is no longer doing its job and allows hot or cold air to come through a lot faster. As a result, the cost to heat or cool your home or business can quickly go up.
Is it Time for Window Replacement?
If it’s time for window replacement, you might ask questions about what type of window you need and who can fit it. At Kryger Glass, we have all your glass needs covered! In most cases, we can replace just the glass unit without having to replace the entire window. Whether your frame is made of wood, metal, or vinyl, we can work with whatever you have to make sure your new insulated window will do its job and does it well.
To get the process started, we need to assess what kind of window you currently have. The easiest way to do this is to bring your window unit into our shop so that we can see what materials we’re working with. Most units are easy to remove on your own. Here’s a look at how to remove some of the standard windows:
Double-Hung Windows: These are the most typical type of windows and slide up and down. Most of them have release levers next to the frame. Push those towards the center lock, and pull the top of the window sash towards you. Carefully remove it one side at a time so the springs holding it in place can release it on both sides.
Slider Windows: These can usually be taken out by lifting on the sash and swinging the bottom towards you. In some cases, you may have to remove the trim around it first.
Casement Windows: A crank is used to open these windows, and it swings outward as it opens. You can typically remove these by lifting the sash and swinging the bottom out.
Before attempting to remove your insulated units, make sure you are wearing thick gloves, and check for any pieces of glass that may have been left behind if your window was broken.
If you’re still unsure about how to remove it or how the process works, don’t hesitate to contact us or give us a call at 866.259.2081.