As a homeowner, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance projects in order to maximize your home’s beauty and functionality—while also sticking to your budget and avoiding unnecessary work. One of the many projects that you may consider at some point is replacing your windows, which can improve curb appeal while helping you save money through greater energy efficiency. However, as with most other home improvements, it can be difficult to determine when is the right time to replace your windows.
Whether your current windows are beginning to deteriorate or you simply want to upgrade for a new look, The Window & Door Store offers a vast selection of replacement windows, with options to suit every style and budget. If you’re thinking about installing new windows but are unsure whether the time is right, consider the following seven indications that your existing windows are due for replacement:
1. Windows have become difficult to operate.
Opening and closing your windows should be effortless. If they are sticking or it’s become frustrating to use them, it could mean that the windows are rusting, the frames are beginning to rot and warp, or the windows were improperly installed in the first place. In addition to being a nuisance, windows in this condition could allow drafts to enter the home, thereby driving up your utility costs by requiring more energy to heat and cool the interior.
2. You hear a lot of outside noise.
Your windows play an integral role in creating a tranquil environment inside your home, which includes sealing it off from noises caused by your neighbors, nearby roadways, and other sources. If your family has been disturbed by any unwanted sounds, it may be an indication that your window’s seals are broken or deteriorating, or simply that the windows are poor quality. For instance, upgrading from single- to double-pane glass, or ensuring airtight installation can significantly improve sound resistance.
3. The windows are single pane.
Noise isn’t the only thing that single-pane windows can let in—with just one layer of glass standing between the interior of your home and the outdoors, single-pane windows are also poor insulators and can allow an estimated 90 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays to enter your home. This can make it more difficult to heat and cool your home (thereby contributing to higher energy costs), while potentially discoloring your carpeting, drapes, and furniture. These problems can be avoided by upgrading to double-pane windows, which are the standard in most new construction. While triple-pane windows are also an option, they are typically not necessary in places with moderate climates like Arizona.
When installing new double-pane windows, be sure to opt for a gas fill in between the panes. By adding a nontoxic, odorless, colorless gas such as argon or krypton, your windows will offer maximum energy efficiency and protection against UV rays.
Another important energy-saving feature to look for is a low-E (low-emissivity) coating. Although invisible to the naked eye, low-E coatings allow natural light into the home, while deflecting infrared light and UV rays back to the outdoors. These powerful coatings can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, save your carpeting and furnishings from discoloration, and reduce energy loss by an estimated 30 to 50 percent—yielding significant cost savings over the long term.
4. You've noticed drafts when the windows are closed.
As mentioned, windows that allow outside air to leak into your home are a main culprit behind escalating utility costs and uncomfortable indoor temperatures. Whether caused by broken seals, single-pane glass, or improper installation, drafty windows are a sure sign that it’s time to consider replacement.
5. Fog or condensation is accumulating between the panes.
While it is normal for condensation to build up on the inside or outside of your windows on humid days (and in fact, this may indicate that the windows are efficient), fog or condensation between the glass panes is a bad sign. This often means that the seals have failed and moisture is leaking in, which could cause the insulating gas between the panes to escape—thereby detracting from the energy efficiency of your windows. If nothing else, foggy windows are an eyesore that could make your home appear poorly maintained.
6. The glass is chipped, cracked, or broken.
While damaged glass may seem like an obvious indication that your windows are in need of replacement, many homeowners will try to patch up broken glass or ignore minor cracks for as long as possible. There are several downsides to this approach—in addition to impairing the window’s ability to properly insulate your home, damaged glass is a safety and security threat, and can allow insects and allergens to enter your home. Therefore, if you notice chips, cracks, or other breakages in the glass of your windows, it’s best to not hesitate before exploring your options for replacement.
7. Your windows have an outdated style.
Even if there is nothing functionally wrong with your windows, it may simply be time for a new look. The size, shape, and type of your windows, as well as the framing materials and colors that surround them, can have a major impact on your home’s overall curb appeal.
If you are thinking about window replacement, you are sure to find options that suit your home’s unique aesthetic at Window and Door Super Store. From classic double-hung windows to eye-catching bay and bow windows to sleek sliding windows that make it easy to let natural light and fresh air into your home, we offer a wide variety of window types. Additionally, our windows are available in different framing materials, including high-performance vinyl, wood-clad, and composite frames. With options from industry-leading brands, such as Pella, Anlin, and ProVia, our windows offer long-lasting quality and the latest in energy-saving technology to help keep the inside of your home comfortable while minimizing your utility costs.
