Are Your Windows Energy Efficient?

Hand holding a thermal camera pointed at a bright window in a bare room.

These days, we’re all looking for ways to make our homes more energy efficient. One of the best ways to make our homes energy efficient is via energy-efficient windows. If you aren’t sure if your windows are energy efficient, don’t worry; here’s how you can check.

Look Closely

Before you spend your time, money, and brainpower on complicated ways of checking your windows, start by taking a close look at them. Certain interior and exterior defects that indicate a need for updated, energy-efficient windows can be seen with the naked eye. For example, you can use your eyeballs to look for any areas on the windows where caulking or glazing has disintegrated and left a gap. If you find a gap, it means your windows aren’t energy efficient and it’s time to install new energy-efficient windows.

Use an Infrared Thermometer

You can use this high-tech tool to indicate if your windows are leaking air. Once you get this tool, all you need to do is point it towards the window and push a button to get a reading. If the display shows a colder or warmer temperature in an area around your window, it means that the window is leaking air and your windows are not energy efficient.

Use U-Value Kits

U-value kits measure how effective a material is as an insulator. When you use a U-value kit, you place the sensors on the interiors and exteriors of your windows as instructed. Afterward, you connect the sensors to the data logger provided, and connect it to a personal computer. Once everything is set up properly, you will be able to start the measuring process. It’s important that you measure during a day when the temperature outside is significantly warmer or colder than inside.

Do a Smoke Test

If you don’t want to spend money on an infrared thermometer or a u-value kit, you can test the energy efficiency of your windows by doing a simple smoke test. To do a smoke test, start by closing all your windows and doors. Then, turn off any combustion appliances such as a furnace, water heater, oven, etc. Next, turn on all exhaust vents in your home to create negative pressure inside your home. Last, light incense, place them near spaces around the edges of your windows and wait for the results. If the smoke from the incense stick is blown inward by outside air, it means you have air leaks, and your windows are not energy efficient.

Ready to Install Energy Efficient Windows?

When you’re ready to make the switch to energy-efficient windows, let Element Window Company do it for you. We’ll custom-design your new energy-efficient windows to ensure that they fit properly and they’re designed exactly how you want them. Energy efficient windows are becoming more popular and more crucial for conserving energy. Don’t trust just any window company in New Jersey to design and install your energy efficient windows; trust Element Window Company.


Contact us today to learn more.

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