While fall is best known for pumpkins and changing leaves, it is also the perfect time to tackle chores before winter. This year, be sure to add your windows to your to-do list! Old or poorly maintained windows can wind up costing you hundreds of dollars in heating during the winter, not to mention detracting from your home’s curb appeal.  

But do not worry, Feazel is here to help! We have gathered some of the most important maintenance and cleaning tips to make sure your windows are ready for the cold.   

Fall Window Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Windows  

There are two critical components of autumnal window care that all homeowners should complete; cleaning and inspecting. Cleaning will remove all dirt and grime that has accrued over the summer months. Inspecting ensures that your windows are in great working order before chilly weather sets in. Feazel recommends completing cleaning and inspection in the spring too.    

How to Give Your Windows a Great Cleaning  

Good cleaning, inside and out, is the first place you should start when you think about regular window maintenance. When you clean your windows, you will not only get a sparkling view of your neighborhood, but you will get a sense of the level of window wear and tear.   

Window Inspections are an Excellent Way to Be Informed of Any Problems  

There are a variety of elements to look for to indicate your window’s health, including:  

  • Do the locks work? If it is hard to lock and unlock your windows, you may need to investigate window replacement. If an emergency were to arise, getting out of the house via the window may be necessary. Windows that are hard to lock and unlock are a health hazard.   

  • Is there any difficulty in raising and lowering the windows? This could be due to the house shifting over time, and like non-functioning window locks, this is a major hazard in your home. Opening and closing the windows is a critical function of your windows. 

  • Is there peeling paint, cracked window glass, gaps, or mildew? Peeling paint is a straight-forward repair. Gaps may require caulking or spray foam.   

  • Moisture signs can come in the form of moisture between panes of glass. This is an indicator of broken seals which do degrade over time or can be broken during an extreme weather event. If you sustained window damage due to an extreme weather event, you may be able to use your homeowner's insurance to get replacement windows. 

While peeling paint can be easily fixed, gaps and signs of moisture often indicate that it is time to get new windows. At Feazel, we can upgrade your windows before the cold sets in, with our industry leading aluminum or vinyl windows, perfect for any home.   

Repaint or Repair Your Windows  

If you notice that your windows need some TLC during cleaning, fall is the time to either fix them yourself or hire a professional to fix them. If you come across some key issues like rotting windowsills, cracks, or condensation in between the windowpanes, it may be time for some new windows. Do not let another winter go by with faulty, broken, or shabby windows. You will be glad you invested the time and money.  

Replace Your Drafty Windows with Energy Star Windows  

While age is not the best way to tell if you need new windows, if yours are more than 20 years old, it might be time for replacement windows. Some things cannot be fixed or repaired, and new windows can save you money, add value to your home, and be a source of pride.   

Not only will it save you money on heating and cooling, but it will also raise your home’s value and curb appeal. In fact, replacing your windows has one of the best returns on investments of all home improvements. New windows are often more energy efficient and can prevent drafts from entering your home.  

Not to mention if you upgrade to an Energy Star window, you are likely to get a great ROI overall. An Energy Department study found that 25%-30% of heat loss and heat gain is through your windows. If beautifying your home and lowering your HVAC bills sounds like a dream come true, call the experts at Feazel today.   

If Your Fall Window Maintenance Uncovers Problems, Call Feazel, A Top-Rated Pella Window Dealer.  

We are here for all your replacement window needs. We want your home to be warm and cozy for the winter ahead! We offer free home inspections to ensure you’re getting the right service for the right price. Contact us today to learn more!