Fall is here and those first cold spells will be arriving soon around the state. If you have cheap “builder-grade” aluminum windows you can feel a distinct chill when you walk by the window. That’s the cold air coming in – just imagine what’s happening during the hot summer months. These drafts can be caused by several things.

Problems with your weatherstripping and seal - This issue can appear around the outside edge of the frame, where the frame and the glass meet, or anywhere that panes of glass overlap, open, or move. This can be caused by aging (especially for wood windows), wear and tear – as you open and shut your windows the weather stripping can become compacted or torn causing air to come in.

If your windows are in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency may be the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save money on energy costs. Follow these recommendations for caulk and weatherstripping. Also check out this do-it-yourself project to learn how to weatherstrip double-hung windows.

Cheap low-grade windows – If you have aluminum single-pane windows put your hand on your window on a day that we are experiencing extreme outdoor temperatures, if you can feel those temperatures through the window you are losing money. You’re HVAC system is having to work extra to make up for the transfer through your windows.