How do I check for window efficiency in a house?

Question

I am currently sitting next to the large window in my apartment. I can feel the cold air seeping from the outside. As I am in the market to buy a house in the next few years, how can I check to see how efficient the windows are when I am looking? We will most likely purchase in the summer and don't really want to be surprised come winter.

Answer 1

i dont know if there is a check for efficiency of drafts.. But if you can feel a draft then perhaps attention is needed there are a number of things you can do.....

1. Fit radiators under the windows as when the cold air enters it is warmed and circulated around the room (Radiators are usually fitted under windows as standard)

2. Fit double glazed windows and doors, Its a smart move it also helps that heat from escapeing.

3, Reseal your windows from the outside with a silicone sealent, for this you will also need some ladders and a sealant gun.


To tell you the truth doing all these three things will help dramatically.

Good luck with buying your house too.. Could you not ask the assosiation you rent from to fix the problem before you carry out your purchase.. you may save some money

Answer 2

Sigh. It's not the job of a Realtor to find you an energy efficient home, nor is it always possible to obtain 'heating bills', since not everyone heats via a utility. Rural homes with propane gas simply fill the tank and pay for the cost of the fill. There's no monthly metering involved.

That being said, a Realtor CAN steer you away from homes which are real energy hogs, since some aspects of construction which cost a lot of energy are readily apparent.
However, to make a decent determination of energy use/heat loss, you need a professional inspection from someone who can make such a determination.

If anything, steer clear of houses with large expanses of glass. Even if it's energy efficient glass, window panes lose a LOT more heat than does the well insulated wall next to the window. The more glass you have, the higher will be the energy use.

Answer 3

There are consultants that will do this for a fee. Local utilities often refer them to make assessments to their customers. Investing in the equipment to do it would not be practical.

Look at the window construction of the houses you are considering. Ask for copies of their heating/cooling bills. Tell the Realtor you are looking for an energy efficient house and change Realtors if they can't accommodate you.

Answer 4

Most apartment only have single paned windows. We nail up blankets around the windows in the winter time. It's not very pretty but it helps. once you get into a house, more than likely they will be double-paned.

Answer 5

we have triple paned windows with gas in them. they are awesome and the window isn't even cold when it's -40 outside. To check if a window is double or triple paned..hold a lighter in front of it and if you can see three reflections..it's triple. You could go house hunting in the winter if that's a big issue for you...however..if there's snow where you are, you should probably go in spring when it's melting to check for leaks and drainage problems in the yard.

Answer 6

Well you can ask your realtor if they are energy star windows... you can also judge visually by the quality of the window.... good vinyl windows tend to be your best bet.