By Jake Taylor

Let’s talk windows.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard, “A salesperson said I need new windows because they’ll save me 50 percent on my energy bills,” I would have a couple hundred dollars.

The reality is, most windows don’t need to be replaced.

What you currently have is most likely performing better than you think. The majority of the time, the issue is something that can be corrected by the homeowner or the original installer. The window isn’t to blame.

Here are some things to think about:

To find if a window is in poor condition, look for broken seals, broken panes and glazing in older single pane windows. If there are storm windows, are they in good condition? Do the windows lock?

To know if the windows were poorly installed, check if the window is out of square with the frame of the house. Is there air leakage from behind the trim or extension jambs, sashes that don’t line up or frost on the inside of the window?

For conditions that can be corrected by the homeowner, look for condensation or frost on the interior pane of the window, unlocked sashes or panes, or unclean seals. Moisture that condenses on the inside of a window is usually easily fixed by managing the home or building’s humidity. The condensation can be a result of too many house plants, not running bath fans during bathing, cooking and, in general, breathing.

Don’t let misconceptions cost you thousands. Give me a call. I’m here to help.

To learn more about this topic, visit lagrangeremc.com/energy-advisor to watch a video featuring Jake speaking about the ins and outs of windows.

Jake Taylor is the energy advisor at LaGrange County REMC.