Did you know that an airtight home might not hinge on new replacement windows? That's right, a diagnostic tool called the blower door pressure test has blown the cover off the common myth that new windows are the ultimate fix for drafty rooms. Get ready for a revelation that will change how you think about stopping cold drafts!

The truth is, the leap to replace windows for comfort could be a misstep. According to this illuminating study, swapping out old windows only reduces drafts by a mere 6% - a fraction of what you can achieve with more innovative, wallet-friendly upgrades.

By targeting strategic places to seal around the house like your attic and fortifying the foundation wall in your basement or crawl space, you'll outsmart Mother Nature without breaking the bank. So before you commit to spending on replacement windows to solve comfort problems, consider this air leakage study your insider tip to a cozy home!

I am a former window contractor, and it was exciting to test this Silver Spring house in three stages along its weatherization journey...

1. The house was tested for air leakage before any work was done.
2. The house was tested after air sealing the attic & basement. Insulation was installed as well.
3. The house was tested after all the old window configurations were replaced with new, high-performance vinyl windows (that also cost a lot!).

THE HOUSE AIR LEAKAGE RESULTS WERE ASTOUNDING!

Test in: 4187 CFM
Test after air sealing attic and basement: 2042 CFM (51% Reduction)
Test after installing all new windows: 1805 CFM (6% Reduction)

00:00 Expertise in Replacement Windows and Insulation: My Background
02:29 Windows are Not the Source of Your Comfort Problems
04:07 First Air Leakage Test on House Windows January 2022
06:11 Air Leakage Contribution from Windows in a Typical Home
06:38 January 2023 - Air Sealing, Insulation & New Windows in Silver Spring Maryland
08:28 Birds-Eye-View of Air Sealing an Attic
09:46 Second Air Leakage Test on House with Air Sealing & Insulation Completed May 2023
11:09 Third Air Leakage Test on House with Windows Replaced June 2023

If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.

Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance

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