When to Replace Windows: 5 Signs to Look For
Your windows are more than your gateway to the outside. They are protectors and play an important role in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. If you don’t know when to replace windows, you might be wasting money and reducing the air quality inside your home.
In this guide, we’ll look at five major signs you need to replace the windows in your home.
When Should You Replace Windows: 5 Signs
How do you know when to replace windows? What types of signs are you looking for? These are five key signs that it might be time to start shopping around for some new windows.
1. Your Windows Are Drafty
Is there a draft in your home even when the windows are closed? This is one of the primary signs that you need to replace your windows. This happens due to poor seals that aren’t securing the perimeter of your window anymore.
As a result, air is making its way in and causing a draft. This can make your home less comfortable and result in higher energy bills.
2. You Have Condensation on the Inside
Do you notice fog or moisture on the inside of your window after temperature changes in the weather? This is common especially in the morning when there is a lot of moisture in the air. This means the insulating gas between the panes has escaped which reduces your window’s energy efficiency.
While some condensation on the outside of windows is normal, endless moisture on the inside is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored and is one of the biggest signs that you need to replace your windows.
3. The Windows are Visibly Damaged
Surprisingly, many homeowners will neglect window damage if it’s not significant enough. If you have cracks, chips, or warping in your windows, you need to replace them because it’s not only impacting the appearance of your home, but it can lead to more severe issues down the road.
For example, if there is a lot of moisture getting in through a cracked window, this can result in drops of water running down the window and rotting the wood frame or causing mold. It could even make your house more vulnerable to break-ins.
4. Your Energy Bills Are Going Up
Have you noticed a steady increase in your heating and cooling costs? While many factors can contribute to higher energy bills, inefficient windows are often a major culprit.
Old or poorly sealed windows let heated or cooled air escape, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. Investing in energy-efficient replacement windows can lead to significant savings on your utility bills over time.
In fact, depending on the number of windows you have in your home, you can save up to $500 on energy costs per year just by changing out a few windows.
5. You’re Experiencing Worsening Allergies
A surprising sign your windows need replacing is if you’re experiencing seasonal allergies, indoors, with the windows closed. This is another sign that the seals on your windows are failing and they’re letting pollen and other allergens in.
This can make your house less comfortable and more difficult to enjoy so it’s important that you pay attention and do not neglect these symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about when to replace windows in a home.
What is the life expectancy of a window?
The average lifespan of a window is 15-20 years with window material and climate being the two most important factors that will cause your window to fail early.
Vinyl and fiberglass windows can last longer than 20 years while wood windows need to be replaced more often if they’re not maintained properly.
The climate has a huge impact on your windows, as well. Strong temperature fluctuations are what cause window seals and materials to deteriorate. For this reason, areas of the country that experience four seasons are more likely to replace windows sooner.
What happens if you don’t replace old windows?
If you don’t replace old windows, you’re not doing yourself any favors. While you might think it’s too expensive to purchase and install new windows, you’re costing yourself a lot of money in wasted energy bills.
The way we see it, you can spend that same money on improving the value of your home, making it more comfortable, and more energy efficient. Or you can keep giving that money to the utility company and not reap the rewards.
What to Expect When Replacing Windows
Now that you know when to replace windows, is now the right time for you? Are you experiencing any of the five symptoms outlined in this guide? If so, it might be time to start looking into some new windows with the help of Burwell Construction!
Call for a free windows estimate today!