If you live in Las Vegas, you know what it’s like when the sun goes down and temperatures start to drop during the colder months. But keeping your home warm without spending a fortune on heating bills can be a challenge. One of the biggest issues is air leaks—the gaps in your windows and doors that let cold air in and warm air out. So, how do leaky windows affect how your Las Vegas home is heated? Read on to find out.
What Are Air Leaks?
Air leaks are any cracks, gaps, or holes that let outside air into your house and inside air out. They can happen anywhere in your house—around window and door frames, through small openings around plumbing, wires, or vents, or even through cracks in walls or foundations—but windows are one of the most common sources of air leakage. When the temperature outside drops below what you have set your thermostat at indoors, cold air will come in through those cracks while heat escapes from your home at the same time.
How Do Leaky Windows Impact Heating?
Leaky windows are one of the biggest sources of energy waste in any home. When your windows aren’t properly sealed, they allow heated air to escape while also allowing cold outdoor air to enter your home. This means that your furnace will have to work harder and longer in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear-and-tear on your heating system. Additionally, if you have single-pane windows, you could be losing up to 50% of the heat in your home!
What Are My Options for Fixing Leaky Windows?
The good news is that there are several steps you can take to stop heat from escaping through leaky windows. The first step is to check all of the seals around each window frame for any visible gaps or cracks. If you find any gaps or cracks, these can easily be filled with either caulk or expanding foam insulation. Weatherstripping is a material made from foam, rubber, vinyl, metal or felt that seals up those small spaces between two surfaces where outside air can sneak in. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to install yourself.
Additionally, you may want to consider adding an additional layer of insulation such as window film or low-E glazing which will help reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of your house by up to 98%. Finally, if you have single pane windows it may be time for an upgrade! Installing double-paned or triple-paned windows will dramatically reduce heat transfer and help keep your house more comfortable year round.
Conclusion
Nobody wants their hard earned money going out the window—literally! That's why it's so important to make sure all of your windows are properly sealed and insulated during those hot Las Vegas summers and cold winter months. By taking a few simple proactive steps, you can ensure none of that precious warmth escapes during those chilly nights.
For over 20 years, our team at Rebel Refrigeration have served the Las Vegas community for all their home’s heating, cooling and plumbing needs. We offer affordable prices and comprehensive maintenance plans that will give you something to smile about. Call us at 702-766-9436 or visit our website today to schedule an appointment!