When is it advisable to replace a window?
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Your windows can be a major culprit for heat loss during those sweltering summer months. But should you constantly replace the entire window? Possibly not. Here's a breakdown from the Consumer Advice Centre to help you determine whether you should get a new set or just spruce up the glass.
Is that Glazing Gone Bad? Time for a Test!
Gauge whether your windows boast thermal insulation glazing, that miracle material which can slash energy loss, by carrying out a simple flame test. If installed post-1995, your windows likely have thermal insulation glazing. If not, you can either find the date between the panes or perceive a hue shift using the flame test!
To light the fuse, hold a lighter to a window pane. Pay heed to the reflections:
- Appearance of a colored reflection in one of the inner reflections indicates your window already sports thermal insulation glazing. The metal coating within the pane manifests as a peculiar reflection.
- If you see a colored reflection in one of the outer reflections, your window flaunts solar protection glazing.
If your windows lack thermal insulation glazing, heat can seep through the glass, making a window swap worth considering, especially with a fresh coat of energy-efficient glazing.
Time for an Upgrade? Swap Leaky Frames or Just the Glass?
If the frames have an airtight seal and are in pristine condition, opt for glazing replacement to save a bundle compared to an entire window revamp. This modification offers aAdded insulation and boasts a covert facade, particularly vital for antique buildings.
That said, newfangled windows boasting advanced glazing will demand a solid frame, intact window fittings, and a non-decayed frame that hasn't succumbed to warping, deterioration, rust, or broke down in any way. If those conditions aren't met, a complete window overhaul should be in your future.
Energize and Beautify with an Energy-Efficient Renovation
Before diving into a window replacement, consult an unbiased expert for comprehensive advice tailored to your household's demands and structural conditions. You don't always have to kick-start your energy optimization journey with window substitution.
Ponder a few facts - if the exterior walls of your dwelling haven't been insulated already, insulating the facade might be a more economical and energy-wise choice before revamping the windows.
Remember to consider the roller shutter box during renovation – either beef up insulation in your current box or install a state-of-the-art, insulated one to maximize energy savings.
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[1] Better Homes & Gardens. (2021). Upgrade Your Homes Energy Efficiency with These Simple Tips. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/energy/conserve-energy/energy-efficient-home-improvements/
[2] EnergyStar.gov. (n.d.). Windows & Doors. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.energystar.gov/products/windows_doors/
[3] ProSource. (2021). 5 Benefits of New Windows. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://prosourcewholesale.com/articles/benefits-of-new-windows/
[4] Energy Vanguard. (2020). Top 10 Reasons for Energy Loss Through Windows. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.energyvanguard.com/blogs/blog/top-10-reasons-why-windows-leak-energy
[5] HuffPost. (2020). What To Consider Before Replacing Your Windows. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/replace-windows-what-you-need-to-know_n_5f859689e4b02d8ea143dec9
- In the guide for homeowners, it's suggested that a simple flame test can help identify if thermal insulation glazing is present in the windows, which can significantly reduce energy loss.
- If windows lack thermal insulation glazing, it may be worth considering a replacement, especially with a fresh coat of energy-efficient glazing.
- If the frames of the windows are in good condition and have an airtight seal, opting for glazing replacement instead of a complete window revamp can save money.
- Before pursuing a window replacement, it's advisable to consult an unbiased expert for tailored advice, as insulating the exterior walls might be a more economical and energy-wise choice before renovating the windows.
