Windows

The type and condition of windows play a big role in the comfort level of a home. Windows added together represent a very large surface area, in some cases equivalent to a whole wall of a house. Imagine if a whole wall of your house is a thin sheet of glass. Heat moving in and out through that surface should be kept to a minimum. There is a tremendous difference between singe and double pane windows in terms of home energy use efficiency. All window glass should be double panes to help keep the comfort level high and heating and cooling costs down.

Window size and placements are important things to look at. Too many large windows on an exposed south wall will cause a greenhouse effect and overheat the house in the summer. Conversely, the north wall will cause excessive heat loss in the winter.

Wood or vinyl window frames are the best. Aluminum frames suffer from condensation and over time will cause moisture damage to surrounding wood components like the sill.

Avoid aluminum storm windows. They are better than nothing but are a chore to clean, open and close. Some do not open and must be removed before one can open a window for fresh air. They are difficult to have an air tight seal, resulting in likely condensation problems where the inside surfaces can get dirty or foggy.

All windows should come with a screen and open and close easily. The worst case scenario for a stuck window is an inadequate window opening header. The weight and pressure of the roof, exerted downward through the header, will force the window frame to compress and warp over time.

It is a safe bet that energy costs will keep rising. Having upgraded windows for a more energy efficient home will pay major dividends in the long run. If windows are single panes, they need to be replaced with double panes and the upgrade costs should be considered in the home purchase price.