Even if your windows aren’t compromising your home’s energy efficiency, you may want to replace them due to decreased functionality. Perhaps they only open or close after you’ve exerted a great deal of force, or maybe they no longer tilt inward or outward when you need to clean the panes. Regardless of where the source of your problem lies, you deserve functional windows that won’t make your life difficult.

Your windows may open and close with relative ease, but you should keep a close eye on panes surrounded by wooden frames. Wooden frames will sometimes warp or bend after prolonged exposure to the elements, eventually making them difficult to open and close. With the inclement weather we see throughout the year in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, we’re never surprised to see wooden window frames becoming warped and distorted over time.

While functionality is certainly an important concern, safety is perhaps the most important reason why you should invest in a window installation. You can never anticipate when you’ll have to exit your home due to an emergency, so periodically check to ensure that they open smoothly and without issue. If you find that your windows could be difficult to escape through in an emergency, then consider your next window installation an investment in your safety.

Standing next to your windows on a cold day is one of the easiest ways to check the health of your windows. While it’s expected that the window pane will be cooler to the touch than the rest of your home, the space around your window should not be markedly colder than the rest of the room. If you can feel a drastic decrease in temperature as you move your hand closer to the window, then it’s time to purchase new windows that won’t allow the outside temperature to drastically affect the temperature inside your home.

The candle test is another way to determine if your windows are contributing to energy loss. Light a candle and move it slowly across every corner of your windows. If the flame flickers or moves drastically in certain spots, then you probably have a few small openings that are compromising your energy efficiency. Replacing your leaky windows with our energy-efficient models is a great way to ensure that your home is prepared for the highs and lows we experience throughout the year.