Mid-July in the Tri-Cities: the AC has not taken a day off since June, and certain rooms still bake every afternoon. Before you blame the air conditioner, look at what is between it and the sun — your windows. Here are the five warning signs we check first on every summer visit.

1. Rooms That Overheat on Schedule

A west-facing room that becomes unusable from 3 p.m. to sunset is textbook solar gain through underperforming glass. Clear glass admits roughly three times the solar heat of a modern low-E unit — that is a space heater’s worth of energy pouring through every large pane, every afternoon.

2. The Glass Is Hot to the Touch

On a 100-degree day, put your hand on the inside of the glass. Warm is normal; hot means heat is streaming through. Modern low-E double-pane glass stays remarkably close to room temperature.

3. Curtains Closed All Summer

If your summer survival strategy is blackout curtains from June to September, your windows are failing at their one job: giving you light and views. Low-E coatings let you keep the view and lose the heat.

4. The AC Never Cycles Off

An air conditioner that runs continuously on 95-degree days is usually fighting a losing battle against solar gain and air leaks. Check your utility bill against last July — a creeping increase with the same weather often points to failing window seals.

5. Fog, Haze, or Moisture Between Panes

A fogged double-pane window has lost its insulating gas — meaning it is barely better than single glass against the heat. Summer makes this failure visible as morning haze that burns off; winter will make it worse.

Get a Free Heat Check

Recognize two or more of these? Our free in-home estimate takes about an hour: we check every window, tell you which are the actual problems, and price options room by room. Since 1975, no pressure — just honest answers from your Tri-Cities and Walla Walla neighbors.

Ready for honest answers about your windows, doors, or glass? Schedule a free in-home estimate with our award-winning team. Call us in the Tri-Cities at (509) 586-1177, in Walla Walla at (509) 529-5110, or request your free estimate online.