There is no doubt that windows are an essential part of any home. They let in natural light and provide ventilation. However, many homeowners have experienced a leaky window at one point. This issue is not only frustrating, but your windows can also experience damage. What about the effects on your heating and cooling system? Do leaky windows affect how your house is heated?
Yes, leaky windows do affect how your home is heated. If you are experiencing leakages in windows, you will likely pay about 20%-30% more of your energy bills. The more your windows leak, the greater impact it will have on your house’s overall heating and cooling. Despite the high potential of leaky windows affecting your HVAC system, it is unfortunate that many homeowners are unaware of how these poorly maintained windows waste their resources. The following are five ways in which leaky windows affect the indoor temperature of your house.
1. Leaky Windows Let in Drafts
Drafts from leaky windows can lower the temperature in your home, making it feel colder than it is. A single drafty window can make a room feel up to 50% cooler. To combat this, you will likely find yourself turning up the heat, which wastes energy and raises your energy bills. When drafts come in from the windows, warm air escapes and is replaced by outside cold air. As a result, your heating system overworks while it attempts to consume more energy to maintain the desired room temperature.
2. Leaky Windows Reduce the Lifespan of Your Heating System
Not only does your heating system have to work harder when drafts are coming in from leaky windows, but the wear and tear on the unit will also increase. This can cause costly repairs and shorten the lifespan of your equipment. In some cases, you may even have to replace your entire system earlier than expected. In a worst-case scenario, you may be forced to stay without heating during a sudden system breakdown while you are waiting on the technician to arrive.
3. Leaky Windows Encourage More Heat Loss By Convection
Convection is the natural heat flow from a warmer area to a cooler one. When your house has leaking windows, the water running on your windows will cause heat loss by convection. This happens when the warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a windowpane. The colder the surface is, the more heat is lost. As a result of this process, you may notice that your home experiences a prolonged lower temperature than normal. This, in turn, negatively affects the overall function of your heating system.
4. Leaky Windows Negatively Affect Thermal Insulation
If you are going into the winter season, you may be considering thermal insulation for your home, including for the windows. Thermal insulation is a material to prevent or reduce the flow of heat. Unfortunately, leaking windows inhibit the windows’ capability to act as insulators. Windows with poor thermal insulation will allow more heat to escape, requiring your heating system to work harder and longer than necessary to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Inadequate thermal insulation can also increase moisture problems in your house and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and floors over time. All of these consequences directly impact how your residence is heated.
5. Leaky Windows Cause Unstable Room Temperatures
Fluctuating room temperatures is yet another way leaking windows affect how your house is heated. When there are drafts and leaks in your windows, the warm air inside escapes while cold air from outside seeps in. As a result, the temperature in your home becomes unstable and difficult to maintain. You may find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat to try to make your home more comfortable, but it will be a losing battle as long as those leakages still exist. Not only is this an inconvenience, but it is also a waste of energy since you will be using more heat than necessary.
Conclusion
If you have a leaky window, it is vital to address the issue as soon as possible. Not only will this save you money on your energy bill, but it will also help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Contact Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today for more information about our heating and cooling services. Our experts serve residential and commercial enterprises located in central Illinois and its surrounding areas. We specialize in services such as indoor air quality, ductwork, geothermal installation, and repairs. With over a decade of experience in this field, we are confident that we can provide you with the best possible solution for your home and fix your problems, including leaking windows.
