Window problems, lifespan and upkeep

Windows lose heat through worn seals, cracked caulk and the glass itself, so a house that never warms up may be losing heat rather than making too little. Most window trouble is either a drafty window or condensation, and the fix depends on where the air or moisture is coming from. Weatherstripping and caulk are easy DIY; a failed seal between the panes or rot in the frame is a pro job.

Common problems
How long it should last

Typical lifespan: about 15–30 years, depending on the frame and glass

Signs it is near the end:

  • Fog or haze between the panes that won't clear, meaning the seal has failed.
  • Drafts that weatherstripping and new caulk don't cure.
  • Soft, rotted or warped frames or sills, or glazing that's cracking away.
  • A sash that sticks, won't stay open or won't lock.
  • Rising heating bills and cold spots near the glass.
Basic upkeep
  • Check weatherstripping and caulk each fall, and replace what's cracked, flattened or missing.
  • Close and lock the sashes before winter so they pull tight against the seal.
  • Wipe condensation and standing water off glass and sills, and keep indoor humidity around 30–50%.
  • Clean the tracks and weep holes so water can drain out.
  • Repaint or reseal bare wood to stop rot. Older painted windows may have lead paint, so don't sand or scrape them.
Common fixes

  • Furnace won't heat?

    FurnaceFall

    The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.

  • Heat pump not heating?

    Heat pumpFall

    The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.

  • Washer won't drain?

    Washer

    Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.

  • Fridge not cooling?

    Fridge

    The fridge section is warm or warming. The cause depends on whether the freezer is still cold, and the first fix is often free.

  • Washer won't spin?

    Washer

    The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.

Sharpen the read

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  • the window up close where you feel the draft or see the moisture
  • the whole window, so we can tell its type
  • the sill and trim, especially any staining or soft wood

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