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Fall is in the air! Temperatures are dropping across Michigan, and the leaves are beginning to fall from trees. As the seasons change, make sure you are still maintaining and using your windows to your advantage. Here are five window tips that you can implement in your Michigan home this autumn.
1. Open double-hung windows from the top for safety.
Now that the weather has cooled off, you may be using your windows for ventilation rather than turning on the air conditioning. If you have children or pets, remember that you can open double-hung windows from the top instead of just the bottom. This way, the open portion of the window is up higher on the wall, so there is much less risk of a child or pet falling through the window. (Remember, window screens only keep bugs out; they are not strong enough to prevent a fall from the window.)
2. Check for air leaks around older windows.
If your windows are on the older side, fall is a good time of year to check for air leaks. This way, if you do discover air leaks, you have plenty of time to repair or replace the windows before winter arrives. An easy way to check for air leaks is to close the window, and then light a stick of incense or a candle. Pass the incense or candle by the borders of the windows. Watch for the line of smoke to wiggle or wave. If the smoke wiggles or waves, this indicates that there is an air leak you must deal with.
3. Clean your window tracks.
After a summer of pollen and dust blowing through the windows, the tracks are probably pretty dirty. Dirt accumulation in the tracks can make windows harder to open and close. As the fall turns moist, the dirt may absorb water and perpetuate mold growth. To clean your window tracks, prepare a bucket of hot, soapy water. Wipe down the window sill and the broader pieces of the window tracks. Then, use a cotton swab or cotton ball to wipe down the insides of the tracks. Let the window tracks dry before you close the window again.
4. Look for condensation.
As temperatures fall, you may notice condensation appearing on your windows at night. If this condensation is on the inside of your windows, it is not a major concern and will probably dissipate once the humidity level drops. Similarly, condensation outside your Michigan home is more an effect of the weather than your windows. Condensation between your window panes, on the other hand, indicates that they are leaking. This is a common issue with vinyl replacement issues; the vinyl cracks, allowing air and moisture to seep through. Consider replacing windows that are developing between-glass condensation.
5. Make plans for window replacement.
Window replacement companies can work in the winter, but if you replace your windows now rather than waiting, you will save money on energy as winter rolls in. New, energy-efficient windows reduce heat lossand will also keep your home more comfortable and draft-free.
Follow the tips above to keep your windows working well for you this autumn. If you are considering replacing the windows on your Michigan home, contact Renewal by Andersen. We offer free, in-home consultations and our detailed estimates are good for a year.