The first cool mornings of fall have a way of reminding us of what is coming.
Soon, windows will be closed for the season; furnaces will be running, and Ontario homes will once again face months of cold temperatures, wind, snow and changing weather conditions.
Before winter settles in, take a walk through your home. Do some rooms feel noticeably cooler than others? Can you feel a draft near a closed window? Are your windows difficult to close or lock? Do you see condensation or fogging between the panes?
Your windows may be telling you something.
If your windows are no longer keeping the weather where it belongs — outside — fall is a good time to consider replacing them.
Your Windows Have an Important Job All Winter
Windows do much more than provide a view.
They are part of your home building envelope, separating your comfortable indoor space from whatever an Ontario winter brings outside.
Natural Resources Canada says windows, doors and skylights can account for a significant amount of a home’s energy loss. Its Keeping the Heat In guide puts potential heat loss through these areas as high as 35 per cent, depending on the home.
That doesn’t mean replacing your windows will suddenly cut your heating bill by 35 per cent. Your home’s insulation, air sealing, heating system, size and condition all affect energy use.
It does mean that poorly performing windows can be an important weak point in an otherwise comfortable home.
What Do Energy-Efficient Windows Actually Do?
When people hear “energy-efficient windows,” they often think first about saving money on heating.
That’s certainly part of the conversation, but there is another benefit you may notice every day: comfort.
High-performance windows are designed to reduce heat transfer and air leakage. Natural Resources Canada reports that ENERGY STAR certified windows are approximately 20 per cent more energy efficient than the average window.
During winter, better-performing windows can help keep more of your home’s heat where you want it: inside.
That can mean fewer uncomfortable drafts and cold areas near your windows, and a more consistent indoor environment when the temperature drops.
In simple terms:
Better windows help create a better barrier between your family and an Ontario winter.
And when January arrives, that barrier matters.
5 Signs Your Windows May Not Be Ready for Another Winter
Not every older window needs to be replaced. Some problems can be addressed through maintenance or repair.
But there are signs worth paying attention to this fall.
1. You can feel drafts around closed windows
Stand near your windows on a cool or windy day. If you can feel cold air coming in even though the window is completely closed, there may be an issue with the window, weatherstripping, seal or installation.
2. Some rooms are harder to keep comfortable
Does your favourite chair become considerably less inviting in January because it’s beside a window? Do certain rooms always seem colder?
The window may be contributing to the problem.
3. There is condensation between the glass panes
Moisture or fogging between panes of insulated glass can indicate that the sealed glass unit has failed.
Interior surface condensation is different and can also be influenced by indoor humidity, so it shouldn’t automatically be interpreted as a failed window.
4. Windows are becoming difficult to operate
A window should open, close, and lock properly. If your windows stick, won’t close completely or have deteriorating components, it may be time to have them assessed.
5. Your windows are simply showing their age
Age alone isn’t a reason to replace a window. Condition and performance matter more.
But if older windows are showing several of these symptoms at once, replacing them may make more sense than continuing to address individual problems.
What Should You Look for in New Windows?
If you decide it is time to replace your windows, don’t choose based on appearance alone.
Energy performance matters, particularly in our climate.
In Canada, window performance can be measured using factors such as U-factor, Energy Rating (ER), solar heat gain and air leakage. ENERGY STAR certified windows must meet specific Canadian performance requirements and be tested and certified.
But homeowners shouldn’t have to become building scientists to buy a good window.
A knowledgeable window professional should be able to explain the performance of a product in plain language and help you understand which features make sense for your home.
Don’t Forget About Installation
Even an excellent window has to be installed properly to perform as intended.
Measurements, fit, insulation, sealing, and finishing all contribute to the finished result. That is why installation should be part of your buying decision from the beginning, rather than something you think about after choosing the window.
This has been part of Kempenfelt Windows & Doors’ philosophy since the company was founded in Barrie in 1994 – quality products need quality installation behind them.
Can Windows Be Replaced in Winter?
Yes.
You don’t have to wait until spring to replace windows that are making your home uncomfortable. Kempenfelt installs windows and doors year-round throughout its service area.
That said, fall gives homeowners an opportunity to get ahead of the coldest weather.
If you’ve already been thinking about replacing your windows, why spend another winter noticing the same drafts, cold spots and problems you noticed last year?
Make This the Winter You Enjoy the View — Without Feeling the Cold
Winter is part of living in Ontario. Feeling uncomfortable inside your own home doesn’t have to be.
Kempenfelt Windows & Doors has been helping Ontario homeowners improve their homes for more than 30 years. Our Canadian-made vinyl windows are designed with energy efficiency and Ontario weather in mind, and our team provides professional installation from start to finish.
With showrooms in Barrie, Newmarket, Midland and Parry Sound, you can also see our products in person and talk with our team about the right options for your home.
Ready to get your home winter-ready?
Book your free, no-pressure consultation with Kempenfelt Windows & Doors today. We’ll take the time to understand your home, answer your questions, and help you determine whether replacing your windows is the right choice.
Canadian-Made for Canadian Living.