Regularly inspecting your Andersen® windows or patio doors will maximize their longevity. Inspecting your products and performing simple routine maintenance before winter may decrease your home's heating cost.
Understanding Condensation
Have you wondered why is there condensation on your window or patio door glass? View this helpful video on understanding condensation.
Condensation can form on interior glass surfaces when there is too much moisture in the air. If the interior of a structure exceeds certain limits of moisture in the air, the moisture will condense and show up on comparatively cooler surfaces, such as glass.
Recommended humidity levels in winter months should not exceed 30-35%. If these humidity levels are exceeded, you may want to take measures to reduce the interior humidity level; our video can provide tips on reducing humidity in your home.
For more information on condensation and lowering humidity, visit our Help Center.
Inspect Weatherstripping
On the next windy day check around the edge of your windows or patio doors; do you feel a draft? Exposure to light, moisture, temperatures, wear and compression may cause weatherstripping to lose its ability to seal properly over time.
Open the window and check the weatherstripping around the window sash or frame. Different types of windows will have weatherstripping in different locations. Is your weatherstrip cracked, torn, smashed or missing? Replacing damaged weatherstripping greatly increases the efficiency of your window or patio door.
Be sure your products close and lock properly. Windows that are not locked securely may leak. Inspect the lock to be sure it secures the window or patio door properly.
Inspect the sealant around the window or patio door for any cracking, voids or deterioration. Use sealant to fill any holes, gaps, or air leaks to prevent heat from escaping. This may help reduce your winter utility bill. Andersen has sealant available to match the color of your window's exterior.
Now is the time to remove insect screens for winter storage; keep in mind it is best to store insect screens either upright or flat; avoid storing at an angle.
When installing or removing the insect screens take advantage of this time to clean and inspect the interior and exterior of your windows.
How Efficient is your Glass?
Consider upgrading your glass to a more efficient glass.
If you own a double-hung window, installing a self-storing combination unit with annealed glass storm panels can improve energy efficiency by as much as 60% in winter and 56% in summer over Low-E glass.*
A combination unit is also ideal for sound reduction in noisy environments.
*Values are based on camparison of Andersen® 400 Series Tilt-Wash double-hung window with Lowe-E4® glass and combination unit U-Factor to the U-Factor for clear dual pane glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006, 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Code "Glazed Fenestration" Default Tables.
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200 Series Tilt-Wash Weatherstrip Replacement
