Shut Out the Cold

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As temperatures drop, it's time to inspect windows and doors to prepare for winter.

"This is an ideal time of year to really evaluate if your home is suffering from energy loss," says John Noel, general manager of Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha. "Before we experience the Midwest's extremely cold temperatures, replacing windows and doors is a cost-effective solution to helping instantly achieve greater energy-efficiency for a home."

Window, door inspection checklist

The first step in preparing your home for winter is by doing an inspection to check for potential maintenance issues.

* Inspect the interior and exterior finishes around windows and doors for signs of paint flaking and peeling.

* Look at the weather stripping around all doors and windows. Re-attach any loose portions and replace portions that are ripped or torn.

* Moisture and condensation between panes of insulating glass can occur when the seal between the panes of glass fails. Look for fogging; it may be a sign that a replacement is needed.

* Look for signs of air leakage. Improperly installed windows or doors which permit air leakage can decrease energy efficiency.