It’s no secret that cold weather windows in MA can help save energy during the coldest days of the year. Whether we’re talking about the next polar vortex or something a bit milder, you can rely on quality and energy-efficient windows to keep energy bills low.
What Does The Old Farmers’ Almanac Say About The 2024-2025 Winter Season?
“Brace yourself for a Wet Winter Whirlwind! The Farmers 2024 winter prediction calls for a season of rapid-fire storms that will bring both rain and snow, with little downtime in between,” writes the publication. Farmers Almanac weather is forecasting a “wet and white” winter in New England and across the Northeast with “above-normal amounts of winter precipitation” and “near-to above-normal temperatures.”
According to the 2024 Farmers’ Almanac, cold temperatures combined with above-normal precipitation will increase the risk of ice dams and moisture damage for homes with outdated windows. If you’ve been wondering, “My house is cold no matter how high I set the thermostat,” it may be time for an upgrade.
1. High Energy Bills
This is the biggest indicator that there is a problem with the performance of your windows. The average American spends $583 on energy bills each month. Can you imagine what the average cost would be if everyone had old, outdated windows?
The trouble is that there are so many factors that play into the cost of your energy bills in terms of your windows. Weatherstripping old windows, bad installation, broken seals: it all adds up!
In addition, the Farmers 2024 winter prediction suggests a season filled with relentless snow, sleet, and rain. With the Winter forecast in New England expecting higher-than-average precipitation, homeowners are urged to winter proof your home before extreme cold sets in.
2. Winter Window Condensation
You go to look out the window to see the snow falling, but it’s covered in condensation. What gives?
Sweaty windows are normal to a point, even in the winter. However, it’s a problem when the condensation won’t go away. If you have old windows, this condensation can even damage your home. The condensation can build up on wood window frames and eventually cause mold and mildew growth. If neglected long enough, it can cause the frames to rot and damage the interior wall.
When you decide to get those rotted frames fixed, you can expect to pay up to $500 per window and sometimes more depending on the severity of the damage.
Replacing the entire window unit might be in your best interest since it’ll provide the benefit of improved insulation, lower energy bills, and provide a return on investment of up to 75%. New window installation also gets to the root of the condensation problem, such as poor weatherstripping old windows or broken seals. Simply repairing the frames will not put an end to condensation.
3. Cold Drafts
Old windows are notorious for causing a drafty and uncomfortable home. It’s even more noticeable in the winter through January-March when the average low temperature is between 22-31 degrees.
Why are so many old windows drafty? Here are a few of the most common culprits that are causing those wintertime drafts:
- Worn-out weatherstripping: When weatherstripping old windows becomes worn and frayed, it’s much easier for that cold air to come into your home. In fact, you can lose 10% of your home’s energy from bad weatherstripping. While you might think the fix is to simply replace the weatherstripping, this often proves as a difficult and messy process.
- Leak in the window’s seal: The seal between the window panes is a vulnerable area for drafts. If the seal leaks, energy-efficient gases like argon and krypton can’t insulate your home properly. This allows cold air to move right through the window’s glass, causing a chill right inside your home. *This is often the reason why many homeowners say, “My house is cold even with the heat on.”
- Poor Air Infiltration Ratings: In a climate like New England, we need our windows to be as airtight as possible. Replacement windows contain a CFM rating that measures the window’s ability to block out drafts. The most energy-efficient windows in MA contain ratings between .12 and .3.
- Incorrect Installation: The truth is those winter weather woes aren’t exclusive to old windows. This is especially the case in terms of window installation. When a window is improperly installed, it’s easy for air leaks to cause energy bills to rise. This means you’ll feel drafts not only in the winter but warm air will make its way indoors during the summer.
Drafts cause a lot of discomfort and energy loss, but there is yet another winter weather woe you’re likely dealing with—skyrocketing heating costs.
The Right Way to Lower Winter Energy Bills
Get those old windows replaced with high-quality and insulating windows for the winter. Look for the following when choosing new windows for your home:
- Energy Star certification, exceeding Energy Star 7.0 standards
- Argon or krypton gas
- Premium vinyl frames designed to block out cold air
- Polyurethane foam-filled sashes for extra insulation
- Triple weatherstripping and low-e glass
Cold Weather Windows Before and After
Every year, we install hundreds of cold weather windows in New England homes. Take a look at some of our local projects that are designed for maximum energy savings all year long!
- Window Installation in Rye, NH
- Window Installation in Fitchburg, MA
- James Hardie and Window Installation in Needham, MA
- James Hardie and Window Installation in Swampscott, MA
- Window Installation in Marblehead, MA
- Window Installation in Nahant, MA
Get New Replacement Windows in MA and New England
You’ll find the most energy-efficient cold weather windows in MA right here at Coastal Windows & Exteriors! Contact us today for a free estimate on replacement windows for your New England home. With the Winter forecast in New England predicting severe conditions, now is the time to winter proof your home and keep your energy bills in check!
