Windows that are leaking conditioned air cause you to spend a hugely unnecessary amount of money on an ineffective cooling system. If you suspect this could be the case in your home, check for the following signs:

  • Drag either a one-ply tissue or candle slowly across the window pane and sill. An air leak will cause a tissue to wave around the affected area or will cause the flame of the candle to blow.
  • Use a probe or infrared thermometer to take temperature readings of the window and compare to the surroundings. A temperature difference suggests a lack of insulation.
  • Check for loose, cracked or peeling areas around the window panes and in the caulking. Cracked glass has an additional safety concern and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
  • Inspect the seal between the window and frame for any obvious gaps.

If you do find that your windows are suffering from insulation problems, there are a number of ways to fix the problem.

  • Caulk or weatherstrip the problem area when the problem does not lie within the window frame.
  • For problems with the pane, glass, interior woodwork or frame, place plastic over the window in addition to repairing the damaged area with caulking or some other form of weatherstripping.
  • Cut a special insulating film and place it over any problem window with older glass.
  • Fill gaps in wood-toned frames with putty.
  • Increase sealing with foam tape, or vinyl or rubber gaskets where the window meets the frame and lock the window to seal tighter.
  • Curtains are excellent insulators and far more efficient and attractive than newspaper.

At Around The Clock Heating & A/C, we can offer you more expert advice on window insulation. We have been providing our clients in the Los Angeles area with top quality heating and air conditioning services since 1967.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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