Why is My House So Cold? Your Windows Could be the Culprit
As the winter months settle in, do you find yourself asking why your home is so cold? Are you bundled up in your coziest sweater and covered in blankets, wondering if your heat is even working? The signs of a drafty house are not always as apparent as a visible gap beneath a door. They’re often subtler, manifesting as a general chill or the surprising touch of a cold surface.
If every room feels like the inside of a refrigerator, your instinct might be to crank up the thermostat. But before you do, consider this: your windows may very well be the reason for the discomfort of your home.
Drafty Home? More Like Drafty Windows
Poorly sealed or outdated windows can turn what should be your warm haven into a freezing house, allowing the chilly outside air to seep in and precious heated air to escape. Windows are one of the most common sources of heat loss in homes. If your house feels cold, your windows may not be doing their job.
The Cold House Dilemma
Let’s explore the cold house dilemma. Single-pane windows offer minimal insulation, turning your living room into a cold room with nothing more than a thin sheet of glass between you and the winter’s chill. Additionally, they are significantly less insulated than the walls of your home. This makes any cold room with windows vulnerable to heat loss. Even double-pane windows can lead to drafty, cold rooms because they lose their effectiveness due to broken seals and leaks over time.
The design of some homes exacerbates this problem, with windows occupying large areas of wall space, increasing the potential for the cold air to seep in. The heat can’t work effectively when you have problematic windows because it’s battling against a continuously leaking barrier. The result? A cold house and a living space that’s far less cozy than you want it to be.
Could it Be Your Gutters?
It’s not always the windows themselves that are the problem. Gutters play a surprisingly significant role in the thermal efficiency of your windows. The condition of your gutters can directly impact the warmth of your home. If you have clogged, damaged, or improperly installed gutters, water can spill over and seep down the exterior walls of your house. If that moisture finds its way into the crevices around your windows, it can lead to a variety of problems, such as weakened seals and even structural damage. In colder climates, the water can freeze, expand, and cause cracks where warmth escapes and cold enters.
Check Your Windows and Gutters
If there’s an unshakable chill in your home, the heat is likely escaping. This can lead to an increase in your heating bills and cost you your comfort on these cold winter days. The good news? There’s a solution.
Start by inspecting your windows using the following checklist:
- Are there visible gaps?
- Can you feel a draft coming from the edges of the window?
- How old are your windows?
- Are there any windows that are fogged up?
- Is there condensation between double-glazed panes?
Any of the above issues could indicate window leaks and inadequate insulation. It might be time to repair or upgrade your windows. Modern, energy-efficient windows have features like low-emissivity (low-E) coatings and insulated frames that significantly reduce heat loss.
And don’t overlook those gutters! Regular cleaning to remove leaves, debris, and inspect for damage is imperative. Ensure they are free from issues, including cracks and seam breaks, and attach securely to your home. Properly functioning gutters direct water away from your home, preserving the integrity of your window seals, walls, and foundation to maintain your home’s warmth.
Talk to a Professional
If some of this seems overwhelming, you’re not alone. The importance of a professional inspection for your windows and gutters can take the stress out of finding the root cause of your cold house. Trained experts have the knowledge and tools to detect and assess problems that the untrained eye may overlook. A professional can thoroughly examine the seals, framing, and overall condition of your windows, identifying inefficiencies that contribute to heat loss. Whether it be a repair or replacement, a professional team will be able to recommend the right solution for your home. They can also evaluate your gutter system, ensuring they’re not compromising your windows’ integrity or contributing to the chill in your home.
If your house feels cold and the heat isn’t working to warm you up, check your windows, check your gutters, or call in the pros to help. Don’t let your home fall victim to the silent chill of inefficient windows and compromised gutters. Take action by contacting Premiere Roofing, the leader in residential home repair.
