Windows are one element of a home that many people take for granted. But windows aren’t just there for aesthetic appeal. Though it’s important to let in light, it’s more important to have windows that can keep out air, pests, and allergens. If you’re wondering when to replace your windows, this guide can help.
Consider the Benefits
As a homeowner, you can benefit more from new windows than you might realize. Aside from making your home more attractive, new windows can reduce the costs of living associated with your home. Here are just a few of the many advantages of replacing your windows:
- Increased Energy Efficiency: For the typical home, bringing in brand-new windows can save homeowners up to $500 a year on their utility bills. The energy savings increase if you choose a double or triple-pane window.
- Safety: Old windows can be a safety hazard in many ways. They’re more susceptible to breaking, making them a ticking time bomb for homes with kids and pets. New windows lock properly, keeping out burglars. They’re also easy to open and close, serving as an escape in case of fire or emergency.
- Enhanced Comfort: New windows will diminish drafts and escape the air, meaning that you can sit in your home in total comfort. They will also provide a quieter, more relaxing indoor atmosphere through noise reduction.
- More Attractive Look: If you’re unhappy with the look of a room or the curb appeal of your home, new windows could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
- Reduced Maintenance: Old windows often need to be cleaned and repainted, but new windows require very little maintenance, particularly if they’re kept clean.
- Environmental Impact: A window replacement cuts down on your environmental footprint as well. It reduces your use of nonrenewable resources, saving you money and diminishing your personal emissions.
Signs It’s Time for New Windows
There are many benefits associated with getting new windows, but it’s hard to tell when to take the plunge. If you notice any of the following signs around your home, consider a window replacement as soon as possible.
1. Drafty Windows
Any time you feel a draft around your windows, it means that warm or cool air is escaping from your home, and outside air is creeping in. This causes your HVAC system to work overtime.
If you aren’t sure if the draft is coming from your windows, try this test: Light a candle and put it up to the edges of the pane. If the flame is flickering, air is escaping, and a replacement is in order.
2. Difficulty Opening and Closing
Your windows should slide open and shut without a problem. If not, this should be resolved immediately. A window that won’t open or close with ease poses a serious risk in the event of a fire or any other emergency.
3. Condensation Inside the Glass
Fog, frost, and condensation often builds up on old windows or between the glass of double-pane windows. This may not bother you much on the surface, but it could be causing damage without you realizing it. Condensation on your windows can lead to water runoff that can damage exterior siding or interior wallpaper and plaster. It’s caused by improper sealing, cracks, or age, and can be fixed with a simple window replacement.
4. High Energy Bills
Have you been paying more lately on your energy bills? As mentioned earlier, improperly sealed or aging windows can let air escape, which will cause your HVAC system to work overtime and force you to pay through the nose for your utilities.
5. Light Filtering Around the Window Pane
The only place light should filter into your home is through the glass panes of your window. If any light is peaking around the perimeter of the pane, it indicates a problem with improper sealing and a loss of energy efficiencies that can cause your energy bills to soar.
6. Too Much Outdoor Noise
Regardless of whether you live on a busy street or not, your windows should keep outdoor noise to a minimum. Windows that are no longer performing their proper function will allow that noise to seep in and disturb your peaceful home.
7. Fading Furnishings
Sunlight is the worst treatment for artwork, furnishings, and drapes. It causes them to fade quickly, ruining your expensive investments. If you notice fading near your windows it’s probably time to upgrade to more energy-efficient window products that can provide some UV protection for your furnishings.
8. Window Leaks
Under no circumstances should water be leaking from your windowpanes. This will damage your siding, plaster, windowsill, and even furnishings. The moment you notice water leaking through your windows, call an expert immediately to replace your windows before the damage gets worse.
9. Lock Failure
For the safety of yourself and your family, your windows need to lock. This isn’t something that should be ignored. A surprising 30 percent of burglars enter the home through an unlocked door or window. If your window can’t lock, this puts your home at risk. Replace windows immediately to protect your family and belongings.
10. Mismatched Style
It doesn’t matter the condition your windows are in; if they aren’t the style you like, you’ll hate them. At this point, consider recycling your windows or donating them, and replacing them with a style of windows you love.
11. Constant Repainting
You shouldn’t need to paint or varnish the area around your windows more than once a decade, but if you find yourself adding touchups and sanding down bubbles, it’s time for a replacement that will end the constant maintenance.
Contact American Home Contractors Today!
If any of these signs apply to your windows, don’t hesitate to contact American Home Contractors. We specialize in properly installing windows of all styles, and you can count on us to provide the best customer service at a great price. Whether you need to replace your windows as a style choice, or you’re worried about damage old windows could be causing to your home, we’re your one-stop shop. For a free quote, call (301) 209-7000 today!
