Simple Tricks to Test for Window Leaks

California Energy Consultant Service is a window replacement and window installation company. We are the ones you call for low cost, excellent service window replacement in Sacramento.

We also know, however, that not everyone decides to replace a window overnight. Sometimes, it’s because their energy bills are higher, their energy efficiency is lower, and they suspect that their window is getting too old.

One of the biggest concerns is leaks in the window frame. While leaks can be sealed, they are usually a sign that your windows are getting too old, and that a replacement is needed in the future. But how do you test for leaks, and what can you do to make sure any leaks have been identified?

Tricks to Detect for Leaks

It’s not always easy to know where cool air is coming from or why your bills are so expensive. That’s why you are likely going to want to test for leaks to make sure that any cool or warm air is coming from your windows. There are many ways you can test for leaks, including:

• Incense Sticks – Incense releases visible smoke that will be drawn towards or away any part of a window where there is an opening. If you place a burning incense stick by a window, you can sometimes find where the leak is.
• Candle Flame – Similarly, when your HVAC is off, your home should have very still air. IF you take a candle flame and carefully and slowly move it around a window, any leak, even a small one, will cause the flame to start moving.
• Test With Touch – When there is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the property, you can also try placing your hand over the edge of the frame and feeling around to see if you feel any cool or warm air passing through.
• Soap Test – Lastly, you can try a unique test where you create bubbles with dish soap, place the bubbles near where you think the leak is, and watch to see if air pushes through causing either new bubbles or the bubbles to blow around.

Of course, sometimes you do not need to test for it at all. Sometimes you can see the leak just by looking it, or feel it very easily by placing your hand near it on a windy day.

From Leaks to New Windows

Window leaks do not necessarily mean that your window needs to be replaced, and if it’s a small leak you may be able to repair it DIY with a bit of caulk. But what we often warn our customers is that a small leak is usually a sign of a larger problem, as most windows will not leak unless they’ve aged considerably or were not installed correctly.

If you would like us to see if your window needs replacement, or you’re interested in a quote, please reach out to Cal Energy, today.